Weddings
Photo and film coverage for the vows, the people, and everything that happens in between.
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Stories That Move You
Based in Greenville, NC, True Essence creates photography and films for weddings, portraits, events, and brands across the country.
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Meet Dontavious
You bring the occasion. I’ll help you feel at home in front of the camera.
I’m Dontavious Chesson, the photographer and cinematographer behind True Essence. I’ve spent more than 15 years photographing weddings, families, graduates, events, and businesses, and I still enjoy meeting the people who make each one different.
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose. I’ll talk you through it, keep things moving, and probably work in a dad joke. Fair warning, I’m usually the first one to laugh.
Working Together
Let’s start with what you have in mind.
You may have a whole plan or just a date and a few ideas. Either is a good place to start.
Tell me about it
Your wedding, your family, your business, or something completely different. Share what you’re planning and what you need.
We’ll work out the details
We’ll talk through timing, locations, coverage, and the photos or films you’ll receive, so you know what you’re booking.
I’ll take it from there
On the day, I’ll guide the planned shots and keep watching for the moments happening around them.
It’s the people who make the photo.
Why I Do ThisThe family member who always gets everyone laughing. Your child’s expression when they’ve had enough pictures. The people who showed up to celebrate something you worked hard for. Those details give me a reason to keep looking, even after we’ve taken the shot we planned.
As a dad, I know a family session doesn’t always go according to plan. That’s okay. We’ll make room for personalities, take a breath when we need to, and get photographs you recognize your family in.
Inside the engagement collectionPhotography · North Carolina
Just the two of you
Think of it as time together with a little direction from me. We’ll walk, talk, and find a few places for photos along the way. You can settle in and enjoy each other. I’ll watch the light.
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Show people what you do.
For Your BusinessThe team behind your company. The work that goes into your product. The energy in a room when your event comes together. There’s a lot worth showing, and I’ll help you decide what to put in front of your audience.
From headshots and brand photography to conferences, interviews, and promotional films, we’ll plan around where the content needs to work: your website, a campaign, a presentation, or social media.
What Are You Planning?
Portraits
A little direction, good light, and photos that actually look like you.
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You put in the work. Let’s make sure the photos show it.
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A calm session that gives you room to celebrate this chapter your way.
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Headshots, brand campaigns, conferences, company events, and video that gives your team something useful to share.
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Kind Words
In their words
Hear from clients who trusted us with their photographs, films, and meaningful moments.
5.0 · Google
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“These aren’t just photos—they’re memories I’ll cherish forever.”
I can't recommend Dontavious enough! He’s captured some of the most important moments in my life with care, creativity, and professionalism. From my daughter’s ballet photoshoot (two years in a row!) to my professional photoshoot, and now my MBA graduation—his work continues to exceed expectations. Each session is relaxed yet purposeful, and the results are stunning every time. He has a gift for making you feel comfortable while bringing out your best. These aren’t just photos—they’re memories I’ll cherish forever.
“Recently booked for our wedding and the results were beyond my expectations. Turn around was super fast and the quality of work is amazing!”
“The photos turned out absolutely beautiful and captured her personality perfectly.”
We had an amazing experience! From start to finish, the process was professional, organized, and stress-free. The photographer was patient, friendly, and made my daughter feel comfortable and confident throughout the session. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful and captured her personality perfectly. The quality, attention to detail, and quick communication exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be booking again and highly recommend their services to anyone looking for stunning, high-quality photos!
“He made my 30th photoshoot everything… Within 2 mins I was so comfortable and he was conversational and he brought me so much confidence.. I will be returning to true essence for my future photoshoots.”
“Every image tells a story and reflects the heart of our organization.”
As a dance academy, finding a photographer who can capture not only the beauty of a photo but also the personality, confidence, and spirit of our dancers is incredibly important. True Essence Photography did exactly that and so much more. From the planning process to the final gallery delivery, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The professionalism, patience, creativity, and attention to detail shown throughout our team photoshoot made every dancer feel seen, valued, and comfortable in front of the camera.
Working with young dancers requires a special level of patience and understanding, and True Essence Photography exceeded our expectations. They took the time to engage with each dancer, provide direction when needed, and create an environment where our girls could truly shine. The result was a collection of photographs that perfectly captured their confidence, beauty, individuality, and growth. What impressed us most was the ability to capture not only posed portraits but also the genuine moments in between the smiles, laughter, sisterhood, and emotions that make our team special. Every image tells a story and reflects the heart of our organization. The quality of the photographs is absolutely stunning. The editing is clean, professional, and timeless, allowing each dancer’s personality to shine through while maintaining a polished and high-end finish. We are beyond grateful for the memories that were captured and preserved for our dancers and their families. These are photographs that will be cherished for years to come. On behalf of Prestigious Bratz Dance Academy, we highly recommend True Essence Photography to anyone looking for a photographer who is professional, talented, patient, and truly passionate about their craft. Thank you for helping us capture the essence of our Bratz and the legacy we are building together. 💙👑📸✨
“Dontavious did an awesome capturing my wedding day. Definitely recommend him and I would recommend asking him about adding confessionals to your package!”
“He selected the best outside environment to achieve the look we were going for and I must say the outcome was phenomenal.”
True essence was definitely the best experience I’ve had taking photos. The photo shoots was not only professional but fun for the family. He selected the best outside environment to achieve the look we were going for and I must say the outcome was phenomenal. Also I received my professional headshots here. The amount of knowledge and professionalism he put into each shot was great! This is where all my photos need happen moving forward. I’ll see you soon for the family summer photos.
Keep up the excellent work… Eric B.
“I am extremely impressed with the professionalism, creativity, and the quality of the photos taken during the session.”
My wife had some photos taken in preparation for her 30th birthday. I am extremely impressed with the professionalism, creativity, and the quality of the photos taken during the session. We will most definitely be back for future life events ranging from graduation to the addition of a new family member in the future. We look forward to working with Mr. Dontavious to capture more life events. Thank you so much for everything!
“Dontavious really made me feel comfortable and did a really good job capturing what I pictured.”
I had a great time taking pictures with true Essence photography. Dontavious really made me feel comfortable and did a really good job capturing what I pictured. The pictures all came out looking great and he got them back to me in a timely fashion. I liked that he was easily available before and after the photo shoot for questions. Will definitely be booking again!
“I had a wonderful experience during my session for professional headshots. I cannot recommend True Essence Photography enough. Dontavious is very professional and highly skilled at his craft. I will be a repeat customer.”
“True Essence captured some beautiful family moments! I highly recommend him for your next photoshoot. The photographer, Dontavious, was responsive, professional, and patient. We will definitely be returning!”
“Very patient, knowledgeable, and respectful. Love the use of technology from the website to the in studio use. Easy to book. Photos are great before he evens edits. Love True Essence Photography!”
“Truly enjoyed our photo session! Comfortable yet professional environment!!! Photographer is very competent and has the ability to execute your desired look. Can’t wait for our next session!”
“The team at TRUE ESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY are nothing short of MIRACULOUS.”
The moment I LAID EYES on the photos from our work event, I was UTTERLY ASTONISHED and COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED by their sheer brilliance! But wait, there's more! When I saw MY HEADSHOTS, I was MOVED TO TEARS by how STUNNING I looked in them. The team at TRUE ESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY are nothing short of MIRACULOUS. I'm at a loss for words to fully express their talent. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU to you all. I'm simply DUMBFOUNDED by the quality of their work.
“This was the best photoshoot I have ever had. He made sure I was comfortable. He helped me with everything. Such a pleasure to work with.”
“Beautiful pictures and thank you for capturing so much that I did not even get to see at the funeral. Thanks so much❤️❤️❤️”
“Very professional. 10/10 would recommend using True Essence for any photography needs.”
“This was a good and exciting experience for me and I enjoyed it. Everything was done professionally and in line while I also had support along the way.”
“Great service.”
Let’s create something worth holding onto
Every inquiry is handled personally. Tell us about your day, your brand, or your milestone and we’ll take it from there.