about the studio
Based in Rochester, Minnesota, photographer Dean Riggott specializes in commercial, corporate, editorial, architectural and documentary-style wedding photography. His high-quality commercial photography and environmental portraits provide business-to-business image solutions for a long and loyal nationwide customer base, including Mayo Clinic, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Cambria, Pfizer, Seneca Foods and Wells Fargo.
Using state-of-the-art digital equipment, Dean can provide immediate turnaround of ultra-high resolution images for same day evaluation and use from his on-location shoots. He also has thousands of Rochester, MN, and agricultural images available for stock use.
Dean combines his professional experience and photographic knowledge with today’s technology to create lasting images for individuals, advertising agencies, magazines, brochures, mailings, web sites, packaging and publications.
Whether working for a non-profit organization or a Fortune 500 company, Dean’s goal is to create images that have impact, evoke emotion and have a sense of time and place. He credits his success, in part, to his passion for photography and to his ability to bring a photojournalism background to his corporate and commercial shoots and his corporate and commercial background to his editorial and wedding shoots.
Dean’s photographic diversity is best illustrated through his varied and satisfied clients.
“Dean’s technical and artistic ability is superb. But when it comes to commercial photography, being able to relate to the clients’ needs then translating them into a great photo is even more important. Our experience with Dean has been top-notch. He works well with clients – really listening to them, offering options and solutions.”
Sharlet Teigen
Senior Partner Demeter Communications
“Testimonial? No way. Why should I tell you that Dean Riggott is the hardest working photographer I know; that he'll stand on his head to get you the right shot? Hey, if I tell you that he's someone you can trust with clients and that he seems more like part of our team than a vendor, then the next time I call him he'll be busy working for you. Forget it."
Bruce Schultz
Creative Director SWP Agency
Dean began his professional photography career in 1991 as a photojournalist for his hometown newspaper, The Rochester Post-Bulletin. For the next nine years, Dean honed his photography skills, shooting everything from sporting events, portraits and interiors, to food, farmers and presidential
campaigns. He soon became recognized as one of the premier photojournalists in Minnesota, winning dozens of awards for his work. In 1997, Dean published his first book, “ Rochester: The Images,” which has consistently appeared on the best-seller list at local Barnes and Nobel stores. He has since published two additional books, “Life on the Farm: A Pictorial Journey of Minnesota’s Farmland and Its People” (2001) and “ Rochester Minnesota: A Visual and Historic Journey” (2003).
Photographs of southeastern Minnesota, rural life and agricultural are among Dean’s specialties. A selection of his farming images were featured in exhibits around the state, including the Rochester Art Center and Bloomington Art Center. He is also an exclusive member of the nation’s largest agricultural photo stock agency, Grant Heilman Photography. Samples of Dean’s photo stock can be viewed in the “ Rochester” and “Farm Life” portfolios.
Whether capturing the life of a college student, for clients such as Bethel University or Grove City College, or the life of a farmer for Midwest Dairy Association or “Successful Farming,” Dean works to gain his subject’s trust which allows him to capture real moments that reveal their true character.
Much of Dean’s professional work is done in collaboration with advertising agencies. His photographs are often used to produce high-end, award-winning annual reports, college view books and various marketing materials. Dean takes great pride in providing every client, large or small, exceptional work at a fair price.
Two of Dean’s commercial photography specialties are architectural photography and food. Clients include Prescotts Grill, The Broadstreet Cafe, The Redwood Room, City Cafe, Paulsen Architects, Knutson Construction, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, The Grand Kahler Hotel, Broadway Plaza and Radisson Plaza Hotel. Dean’s ability to find interesting angles and create unique lighting have contributed to his reputation as one of the most creative and versatile photographers in the area.
Wedding photography is another of Dean’s fortes. Here the bride and groom are treated to a unique, documentary-style approach in which Dean combines his photojournalism skills with the more traditional approach when documenting the couples’ special day. Since 1991, Dean’s wedding photography has been featured in numerous publications, including “Minnesota Bride” and “The Knot,” and has provided couples with candid images that capture the story of their day. Dean absolutely loves to document the love and joy of the couples he works for and takes great pride in providing them with a collection of images that capture their day.
To discuss a project with Dean, get an estimate for a specific shoot, or check on Dean’s availability, please send an e-mail or call him at one of the numbers on the contact page. Samples of Dean’s work can be viewed through the portfolio drop-down menu.