If you’ve been on my Instagram at any point in the last year, you’ve probably already seen this sunset sailboat session on Percy Priest Lake. It went pretty viral and honestly, I’m not surprised. A sailboat, Percy Priest at golden hour, and two people who were completely unbothered by the camera is a pretty good combination.

This is one of those sessions that reminded me why I love shooting something other than a parking lot or a field. Not that there’s anything wrong with either of those, but there’s something about being on the water that makes people forget a photographer is there at all. The boat is moving, the wind is doing things to everyone’s hair, and suddenly nobody’s thinking about what to do with their hands.

Percy Priest Lake as an Engagement or Couples Session Location

Percy Priest is genuinely underused as a session location in Nashville and I don’t fully understand why. It’s twenty minutes from downtown, the light on the water at sunset is unfairly good, and if you can get access to a sailboat you’ve basically already won. The open water means no competing backgrounds, no other people wandering into your frame, and this expansive feeling that you just can’t recreate on land.

If you’re looking for Nashville engagement session locations that feel a little different from the usual spots, put this one on your list.

What to Expect From a Sailboat Session

It’s looser than a typical session, which is a feature not a bug. There’s natural movement built into the whole thing since the boat is literally doing half the work. You’re adjusting to the wind, steadying each other, pointing at things on the horizon. All of that translates into photos that look effortless because they basically were.

Wear something with a little movement to it if you can. Flowy fabrics in soft colors do really well on the water. And plan to arrive with enough time to get your sea legs before we start shooting, which for most people takes about four minutes.

Golden Hour on the Lake

The light during this session was genuinely absurd in the best way. Percy Priest reflects the sunset back at you, so you’re getting warm tones from two directions at once. By the time the sun was fully setting we were getting these deep, cinematic colors that I could not have planned if I tried.

This is why I will always, always push for sunset timing on outdoor sessions. The difference between 4pm light and 6:30pm light is not subtle.

Planning Your Own Percy Priest Lake Session

If you want to do something similar, you’ll need access to a boat, either your own or a charter. A sailboat gives you the most to work with visually but any boat on the water at golden hour is going to photograph beautifully. Reach out and we can talk through logistics, timing, and whether this kind of session makes sense for what you’re envisioning.

Browse more Nashville engagement and couples sessions or get in touch here to start planning yours.

Ready to Plan a Sunset Sailboat Session That Feels Like You?

If this Percy Priest Lake sailboat session sparks ideas for your own engagement photos or couples session, you can reach out through the contact form to start planning a calm, intentional evening that reflects your connection.

FAQ

Is Percy Priest Lake good for sunset photos?

Yes. The lake reflects warm light beautifully and offers open views that feel cinematic.

Do you need a boat to do a session on Percy Priest?

You can use a personal boat or book a small charter. Most couples choose a sailboat for the movement and mood.

What should we wear for a sailboat session?

Soft neutrals, movement-friendly fabrics, and layers photograph beautifully in the wind.

When is the best time for photos on the lake?

Golden hour into sunset creates the best light for warm, emotional images.