Dustin McChesney shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dustin, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, one of the biggest sources of joy in my life has been preparing to become a father. My wife and I are expecting our first child, and getting ready for this next chapter has been incredibly exciting. It’s given me a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose, both personally and professionally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Dustin McChesney, and I’m the founder of Envizion Photography, a South Florida–based platform and business built around the idea of empowering local photographers. At its core, Envizion is about creating community. We connect talented photographers with clients who are looking for personalized, high-quality visuals—whether it’s for an event, a brand, a portrait session, or beyond.
What makes Envizion unique is our dual mission: we serve as both a lead generation platform and a promotional hub. Our goal is to help photographers grow their visibility and get booked, while also giving clients an easy, trusted space to find the perfect creative for their project. Unlike traditional directories, we go a step further by offering free social media promotion, curated listings, and community-building opportunities like collaborative events and training for up-and-coming creatives.
I launched Envizion in 2022 because I saw a gap in how photographers were being found and supported—especially those who were just getting started or looking to expand their network. Since then, we’ve helped connect dozens of photographers with real opportunities, while also offering mentorship, internship programs, and events that bring our creative community together.
Right now, we’re working on growing our directory even more, hosting community events, and launching a seasonal internship program that helps high school and college students gain real-world experience in media, marketing, and creative direction. And on a personal note, my wife and I are also preparing to welcome our first child later this year—so it’s a season of exciting growth on all fronts.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most impactful experiences that shaped my perspective was working as a photographer and studio manager on cruise ships. Traveling the world and capturing moments for people from all walks of life was humbling and eye-opening. It exposed me to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, which really expanded my understanding of the world and helped me appreciate the beauty in diversity.
It was also a time of personal growth—I had to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and learn to connect with people from completely different backgrounds. That experience gave me not only technical and leadership skills, but also a deeper sense of empathy and cultural awareness that still influences how I approach my work and connect with others today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Early on, I was on a very different path—I started college as a pre-med chemistry major with aspirations of becoming a doctor. It seemed like the “safe” and successful route, especially growing up hearing that a career in medicine was the key to stability and respect. But it didn’t take long to realize that math and science just weren’t my strengths, and I was forcing myself down a path I wasn’t passionate about.
That experience was a wake-up call. It was tough to admit that I had made the wrong choice, but it pushed me to reset my goals and focus on something I actually cared about. I ended up changing my major to film production, marketing, and advertising—which ultimately led me to photography and creative entrepreneurship. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Failing early gave me the freedom to figure out what really drives me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to building Envizion Photography into a nationally recognized platform that promotes photographers and serves as a go-to resource for anyone searching for photography services. My goal is to create a centralized space where local photographers can showcase their work, grow their business, and connect with clients—and where consumers can easily find trusted creatives for any occasion or project.
This is more than just a business for me—it’s my life’s passion project. I believe in the power of visual storytelling and in supporting creatives who often don’t have the tools or visibility to reach their full potential. Whether it takes years or decades, I’m in this for the long haul.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I was born and raised in Florida, so the ocean has always been a part of my life. I feel most at peace when I’m in the water—whether it’s surfing early in the morning or scuba diving beneath the surface. There’s something about the rhythm of the waves and the quiet stillness underwater that completely clears my mind. It’s one of the few places where I can disconnect, breathe deeply, and feel fully present. Being in the ocean grounds me and always brings me back to center.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://envizionphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envizion_photos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvizionPhotos
