Greenville, North Carolina · Est. 2018

True Essence Photography

True Essence Photography creates portraits, wedding coverage, event photography, and cinematic films in Greenville, NC for people who want more than just pretty images. You deserve work that feels honest, elevated, and worth holding onto for years.

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Portrait Sessions

Wedding Photography

Boudoir

Newborn & Family

Event Coverage

Headshots

Crafted for Moments That Matter

True Essence Photography offers photography and cinematography services in Greenville, NC for weddings, portraits, graduations, maternity sessions, events, and cinematic films. Each service is built to tell your story with intention, emotion, and a polished final look.

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Weddings

Wedding photography and cinematography coverage designed to preserve the real emotion, quiet details, and unforgettable moments that make your day yours.

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Portraits

Portrait sessions are created to highlight your confidence, personality, and presence with clean direction and a timeless final look.

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Graduations

Graduation sessions that celebrate your achievement with bold images that feel polished, meaningful, and full of pride.

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Maternity

Maternity sessions that capture this season with grace, softness, and strength through images that feel intimate and lasting.

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Events

Event photography and video coverage that captures the energy of the room, the people who matter, and the moments worth keeping.

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Cinematography

Crafting distinctive placements resonates, ensuring your brand stands out and makes a lasting impression.

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OUR STORY

True Essence Photography
Rooted in Authenticity

True Essence Photography was built on the belief that every photo and film should feel honest, personal, and lasting. Based in Greenville, NC, True Essence Photography serves couples, graduates, families, brands, and organizations with work that goes beyond what looks good on the surface. Our goal is to create images and films that carry real emotion, strong detail, and a story you can feel every time you look back at them.

Led by Dontavious Chesson, the brand blends a cinematic eye with a grounded approach that helps people feel comfortable in front of the camera. From weddings and portraits to events, maternity sessions, and graduation photos, each project is handled with care and direction, with a focus on creating something that feels polished without losing what makes it real.

5 +

SESSION COMPLETED

1 +

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

12 %

CLIENT SATISFACTION

24 +

REVIEWS

The Problem

Memories fade faster than you think.

You spent months planning your wedding. Your child’s first year flew by in a blink. That milestone birthday, that family reunion — all those irreplaceable moments already softening at the edges of memory. What do you have to show for it?

Blurry phone photos

Hasty snapshots that capture a scene but never the feeling.

Awkward poses

Stiff, overly-directed shots that look nothing like who you really are.

Generic galleries

Cookie-cutter editing that strips away the warmth and soul of the moment.

Our Recent Projects

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05029 Event Photographer Greenville NC True Essence Photography scaled

ECU Health Annual
Christmas Party

Corporate

Events

Mr & Mrs Fisher
Wedding Photography

Wedding

Photography

Rachelle Duncan
ECU Graduation Photoshoot

Graduation

Photography

Uplift & The Power Of U
Corporate Headshots

Corporate

Headshots

Studio Maternity
Photoshoot

Maternity

Photography

ECU Cheerleader
Photoshoot

College

Photography

True Essence Photography captures real emotion, timeless beauty, and meaningful stories through photography and cinematography crafted to be felt for years to come.

Greenville, NC Photography and Cinematography

We Believe in Quality Over Quantity

True Essence Photography creates work that is meant to be felt, not skimmed past. Every session and every film is approached with purpose, so the final result feels refined, emotional, and worth holding onto for years to come.

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Hear What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say

Portrait Photographer Greenville NC True Essence Photography 184 768x1152 2

Dontavious is an amazing photographer! He has an eye for creativity! He is efficient! He also has an amazing studies. He genuinely knows his craft and I would completely recommend him to anybody that needs a photographer! Whether it is graduation, headshots, family, videography/photography for covering an event, Dontavious does it all and is the best man for the job!

Tyrell Clemons

Clemons Law Firm

"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."

Jairo Orellana

Therapist

"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!"

Alleen Richards

Physician

"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."

Eric Barnes

Barber

"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!"

Alleen Richards

Physician

"I would recommend True Essence any day!! I had a shoot for my super busy toddler and Dontavious was SOOOO patient! Patient and kind! At no point did he seem agitated nor did he rush my session! He was on time to get started and that trigger finger he has on the camera is insane! My baby was so busy but he literally captured so many great shots of her! My pastors are coming to him next for their anniversary shoot. He’s awesome!"

Keyona Smith

"This was the first professional photoshoot my husband & I had done for just the two of us and we were super nervous about it. Dontavious was professional, patient & gave great directives to help us get comfortable and enjoy the session. We had so much fun that my normally camera shy husband said he couldn’t wait to get in for another session. The pictures came out so good & reflected so much of our real personalities. We will definitely be repeat patrons with True Essence Photography & would definitely recommend him!"

Deja Malcolm

"True Essence Photography captured my 50th birthday celebration and did a magnificent job! The team was on time and captured so many wonderful moments as I celebrated my special day. The pictures were beautiful and of very high quality!! I will be using them in the spring for my daughter's law school graduation party! The owner showed style, class, and professionalism every step of the way, making my event one to always remember! Thank you True Essence Photography!!!!! Dr. Lakisha G. Rice"

Lakisha Rice

Physician

"True Essence Photography did an amazing job with my 6 month old photo shoot. The pictures and overall experience was great. I get constant praise and compliments on the photos. If you are looking for quality service and amazing photos. Please do not hesitate and miss out on memories!"

Brandon Harding

Information Technology

"True Essence Photography is very professional and I would continue using their services. Dontavious made my family cookout one to remember with the photos he captured of us. The quality of the photos were AMAZING! Prices are very good and I will be booking more services in the future. "

Anassa Thompson

Accountant

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Greenville, North Carolina · Est. 2018

True Essence Photography