Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Dot Ridenour of Phoenix, AZ

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dot Ridenour. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Dot, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Event photography- I can definitely lose myself in shooting events. I’ve gotten several panicked phone calls from my boyfriend because I haven’t responded for 3 hours shooting an event. I just can’t help it. Getting to capture once in a lifetime moments for people is something I feel so passionate about. I love having the ability to capture peoples memories in my hand.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Dot Ridenour owner and founder of Dotsshot Films. I’m an Arizona native who started my business 8 years ago, with a passion for capturing memories. I specialize in colorful videography, event photography, and creative portraits. With nearly 10 years of experience working with small businesses and families throughout the valley, I love capturing memories and telling stories through my work.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters. Since I was younger, he has always supported and fostered my creative energy no matter what medium I was into at that time. Writing stories, sewing and painting, he helped me through it all. One of the last things he told me before he passed away was “to make beautiful films, and remember him” and when I go through tough times in my career I always think about that. It gives me the strength to persevere.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’ve learned only recently, that mistakes aren’t bad. They’re actually amazing lessons and improve your work as an artist. During filming of my senior thesis film in college, the footage from an entire day of shooting was tragically lost. It was heartbreaking. All those carefully planned and executed shots, lost to a corrupt hard drive. Thankfully, we had just enough left in our budget to reshoot and save the movie. The new shots we got were actually better than the original ones, and the mistakes ended up making it a better film overall.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Women belong in the film industry. Since graduating, I have unfortunately experienced being underestimated because of my gender so many times. Sometimes it feels like I’m a “sleeper agent” because I know I can perform so much better than what I am told by men around me. I fully believe that women are perfectly capable and talented and should be respected on the same level as men. But sometimes unfortunately in the film industry it isn’t always that way. I would really like to put in the work to change that.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that I leave the world a better place. I know everyone says that, but it’s true. I live every day giving everyone kindness and respect even if they do not give it to me. I also hope that the stories that I have been able to tell will live on for centuries after I pass.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dotsshot.com
• Instagram: @dotsshot
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dot-ridenour-3028ab210
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Dot-Ridenour-100090872778735/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@d0tsicle984?si=nXA8Nr1DrC8ak_XB