Meet Dot Ridenour of Dotsshot Photography/ Videography in Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dot Ridenour.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out in my high school film class, unsure of my passion or what I wanted to do in the future. Originally I thought maybe ecology, but it was just one day when I checked out one of the school’s Canon 5Ds that really changed everything. I went out with one of my friends around sunrise and we just filmed for a bit. It was the best experience of my life.

After that, with the support of my parents, I started collecting equipment of my own. Once I got my own camera, it really changed my view on everything. I started filming as much as I could and taking it everywhere. After a while, my skills improved and I decided I wanted to try doing photography as well. I began my freelance work with local cosplayers at cons and loved every bit of it. I am not happy to be doing freelance work with not only cosplayers but my peers as well. It’s the best job I could ever ask for.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there are definitely complications when it comes to freelance. First of all, I have a very hard time with pricing myself. I don’t want to oversell what I have to offer, but I also don’t want to undersell myself either. It’s very hard to find that happy medium where both you and your customers are happy. Not to mention, the responsibility to remember all your equipment belongs on you. Once I forgot to charge my camera overnight after a shoot the day before and forgot to put my battery charger in my bag. Luckily my camera lasted me through filming, but if it hadn’t I would have been in deep water.

Personal struggles are a big issue I struggle with too. I feel like sometimes I hit a brick wall with my work. There are times where I will stop improving and start to dislike my work. It creates a creative slump, and it takes a while to get out of. With covid19 I haven’t been able to work since late March, it’s really hard thinking that I might have to wait until as late as September until I can work with clients again.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I mostly work with cosplayers and at conventions, but recently I have branched out to working with models as well. I have been told by my past clients that I “can always find someone’s good side”, so I’m really proud of that. As far as my style goes? I like to stick with stuff that I think looks good. There isn’t really one right or wrong in my eyes when it comes to filming or taking photos. It really depends on what the theme is that you’re looking for. Sometimes the piece just speaks to me when I’m editing and I’ll edit a few completely different from the rest.

I think something that sets me apart from others is that I really enjoy my work. I really care about what I do, and I’ll do whatever it takes to try and get good content even from “bad” shots.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Phoenix is a really great place to start a business if you know the right people. Had I not been in the cosplay community for years when I was younger, I wouldn’t have known the people I did to that got me started. However, I do feel like I have lots of opportunities when it comes to locations. There are several parks in Chandler that are just gorgeous, and Tempe Town lake cannot be passed up.

Contact Info:

• Website: dotsshot.carrd.co
• Email: dotsshot@gmail.com
• Instagram: dotsshot

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