Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chesley Schwantes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Chesley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I think being successful as a photographer, or really any creative, comes down to how honestly you define success. Early on, I used to measure it through financial achievements or having a large following on social media, and that left me exhausted and discouraged most of the time. Eventually, I realized success, at least for me, is about making work that genuinely expresses who I am and how I see things. When my photography resonates with others, even a small niche audience, I feel deeply fulfilled. Success isn’t about chasing external validation; it’s about creating authentically, staying true to yourself, and finding your place where your work truly connects with people.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Chesley Schwantes – the photographer behind Chevergreen Photography, born from a deep love of storytelling, solitude, and fleeting emotion. My work is heavily influenced by nature, cinema, and the quiet complexity of human connection. I specialize in poetic, mood-driven imagery that leans into shadow, softness, and atmosphere.
My journey into photography wasn’t linear. I came to it from a place of emotional necessity, seeking a creative outlet as a young girl allowed me to express the things I didn’t always have words for. What began as a personal exploration quickly turned into a full-time career, fueled by curiosity and an obsessive drive to create something timeless and evocative.
Chevergreen Photography offers intimate portrait sessions, fine art imagery, styled editorial work, and immersive photography workshops. I also work closely with other creatives—florists, designers, stylists—to build emotionally rich visual worlds that speak to a sense of nostalgia, longing, and beauty. One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is helping others feel seen—truly seen—and capturing the nuance of their stories in a way that feels honest and intentional.
What sets my work apart is a dedication to mood, texture, and atmosphere. I lean into imperfection. I embrace overcast skies, windblown hair, and unscripted moments. There’s a cinematic and painterly quality to my images, Caravaggio and classic film inspire a lot of the light and tone in my photography, and I’m drawn to emotional contrasts: softness in darkness, strength in vulnerability.
I’m most proud of the space I’ve created through my work—one where both clients and collaborators feel safe to show up as they are. Whether I’m documenting a couple wrapped in fog on the coast, or designing a workshop where artists can creatively recharge, everything I do is rooted in authenticity and atmosphere.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think what helped me build my reputation is a mix of consistency, authenticity, and the emotional depth of my work. From the very beginning, I didn’t try to follow trends (as tempting as it is to lean into this). I tried to focus on creating images that felt true to me: moody, romantic, atmospheric, and often a little nostalgic, even if the initial response wasn’t what I wanted. I wasn’t afraid to embrace imperfection or stillness, and I think that resonated with people who were craving something more honest and emotionally charged in photography.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I’ve also found a lot of value in being connected to bridal and wedding communities, especially through Facebook groups and vendor networks. Engaging in those spaces, not just to promote, but to genuinely support and connect, has helped me build relationships that often turn into referrals or collaborations.
Discovering and committing to a specific niche has made a huge difference as well. Once I embraced the moody, poetic, story-driven style that felt authentic to me, it became easier for the right clients to find me. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I focused on doing what I do best, and the clients who are drawn to that style naturally find their way to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chevergreenphotography.com
- Instagram: chevergreen
