Meet Dylan Armstrong | Lead Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan Armstrong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be completely honest, it all started because Esteban bought me a 50mm lens.

We started taking photos constantly. Random shoots, chasing golden hour, finding excuses to create. At some point, it clicked that this wasn’t just a hobby we were obsessing over. We realized we could actually build something from it.

So we created Chasing Stars Media.

We didn’t jump straight into weddings and elopements. We tried everything from real estate, travel, and nature to corporate events and branding. We were figuring it out as we went. Turns out those weren’t our niches, but they were stepping stones that helped us understand what we did and didn’t want.

Even as we were starting out, videography was just as important. Esteban naturally stepped into the lead role there, shaping stories through movement and sound while I focused on photography. That balance started to define us. Two perspectives. One shared vision.

At the core, we knew we wanted to work for ourselves and build something that felt meaningful. Not just beautiful images or videos, but work that actually mattered to the people in front of our cameras.

Over time, we found ourselves drawn to weddings and elopements. The emotion. The connection. The weight of documenting a day that can’t be recreated. It felt bigger than us in the best way.

Now weddings, elopements, and boudoir are where we’ve landed, and it feels aligned. Like we slowly built something that reflects who we are, both creatively and personally.

It’s been the best kind of journey. The kind you build side by side.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our art is rooted in connection.

Before this, I spent close to a decade working in the animal industry. That chapter taught me patience, intuition, and how to read energy in a room without a single word being spoken. When I stepped into photography and videography, those skills came with me. It felt surprisingly natural. Observing. Anticipating. Knowing when to step in and when to simply witness.

Creatively, getting here required something more personal. I had to learn to accept myself for who I am. The nerdy parts. The quiet parts. The quirky humor. The overthinking. When I stopped trying to fit into what I thought a “professional creative” was supposed to look like, our work became stronger. Our brand became clearer. The right people started finding us.

It wasn’t easy. No entrepreneur would honestly say it was. We’ve faced slow seasons, doubt, comparison, burnout, and the normal curveballs life throws at anyone building something from scratch. What carried us through was staying anchored in why we started. We care deeply about what we do. Not just the final gallery or the highlight film, but how it feels to be in front of our cameras.

That’s what sets us apart.

We pay attention to the energy. We respect boundaries. We create space for people to be themselves without pressure to perform. Our brand is centered around respect and inclusiveness. Whoever you are, however you show up, you’re welcome here.

Professionally, we got here by staying curious and constantly learning. Trying things. Failing at some of them. Pivoting when something didn’t fit. We didn’t start in weddings, and we definitely didn’t have it all figured out. We just kept refining, kept listening, kept building something that felt aligned with who we are as people.

What we want the world to know is simple. We’re not trying to be the loudest. We’re not trying to fit into a trend. We’re two creative partners who genuinely care about the humans in front of our lenses. We’re a little nerdy, a little quirky, deeply intentional, and serious about making people feel seen.

Our art isn’t just about documenting moments.

It’s about honoring them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If our best friend was visiting for a week, we’d split the time between mountains, city pockets, and places that feel like us.

Day 1: Ease into it
We’d start simple. Coffee in the morning, then a long walk on the BeltLine or the Roswell Riverwalk. Let the trip begin with movement and conversation. That’s usually when the best stories come out. Dinner would be Fellini’s Pizza, because in our opinion, it’s the best in Atlanta. No debate. Late night ice cream or just sitting outside somewhere, letting the city hum in the background.

Day 2: Preacher’s Rock
Early wake up. Drive north while the sky is still stretching into morning. Hike up to Preacher’s Rock for that open, sweeping mountain view. It’s not a complicated hike, but the payoff feels cinematic. We’d pack snacks, sit on the rock for a while, and just exist up there.

Day 3: Amicalola Falls
Water, stairs, and slightly sore legs. Amicalola is one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way. We’d take our time, wander the trails, and probably take too many photos. Afterward, we’d find a cozy spot nearby to eat and debrief the hike like we just completed an expedition.

Day 4: Cloudland Canyon
More dramatic views. Cliffs, canyons, waterfalls. Cloudland feels like Georgia showing off a little. We’d explore the overlooks and, if everyone’s up for it, tackle the waterfall trail. That evening would be low key. Maybe board games. Maybe a movie. Something soft to balance the adventure.

Day 5: A Day in Helen
We’d lean into the quirky charm. Walk around, pop into little shops, grab something sweet, and just enjoy how random and fun it feels. It’s touristy in spots, but that’s part of the experience. No shame in it.

Day 6: Thrift & Vinyl Treasure Hunt
Back toward Atlanta for a full thrifting day. Fur Kids is a must. Junkman’s Daughter for the chaotic creativity and weird finds. We’d hit a few record stores too and flip through vinyl like we’re searching for hidden treasure. Lunch somewhere casual. Lots of “Should I get this?” moments.

Day 7: Music & Slow Goodbyes
If there’s a good show in town, we’re going. Small venue preferred. There’s nothing like live music to end a trip. If not, we’d create our own soundtrack at home, cook something simple, and take one more long walk. Probably talk about how the week went by too fast.

For us, the best time isn’t about cramming in the most attractions. It’s about balance. Mountains and pizza. Waterfalls and thrift stores. Long walks and loud concerts. A little nature, a little city, a little weird.

That’s our version of showing someone the best time ever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shout out my fiancé and business partner, Esteban. Truly, I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

We built this business side by side from the very beginning, figuring things out as we went, learning through trial and error, and growing into the roles we’re in now. Watching him step into videography and shape stories the way he does has been one of my favorite parts of this journey.

He challenges me, supports me, and pushes me to grow in ways I probably wouldn’t on my own. He’s steady when I overthink, confident when I second guess myself, and constantly encouraging me to go after the things that feel just a little scary.

Chasing Stars Media isn’t just a business we run. It’s something we built together. And I’m really grateful I get to do all of this with him.

Website: https://www.chasingstarsmedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingstarsmedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingstarsmedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasingstarsmedia

Image Credits
Chasing Stars Media