about the photographer

Dean Riggott is a former newspaper photojournalist who now operates Dean Riggott Photography in his hometown of Rochester, Minnesota.

Dean’s photography career began as a teenager when his father, Don Riggott, a professional photographer himself, gave Dean a Pentex K1000 for his 14th birthday. With that 35MM camera, Dean began photographing his friends, landscapes and wildlife in southeastern MN. Ten years later, while attending Rochester Community College, one of Dean's photo exhibits caught the attention of the local newspaper’s photo editor. Dean was offered a part-time position as a photojournalist and eight months later became a full-time photographer for the newspaper.

Dean launched Dean Riggott Photography in 1991, while working as a photojournalist for 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 photo book, “Rochester: The Images,” which consistently has appeared on the best-seller list at local Barnes & Nobel stores. He has since published two additional books, “Life on the Farm: A Pictorial Journey of Minnesota’s Farmland and its People.” and “Rochester Minnesota: A Visual and Historic Journey.”

In 2000, Dean left the newspaper to devote all of his attention to his photo business, which specializes in commercial, corporate, editorial, architectural and documentary-style wedding photography. Today, a typical week for Dean might consist of a shoot on a farm for Midwest Dairy Association, documenting the lives of college students at Bethel University or Northwestern College, photographing food or architecture at a local restaurant or hotel, and then capturing the events of a wedding on the weekend. It is the variety of Dean’s work that keeps him motivated and inspired. "I love what I do and I like to think my passion for photography is apparent in my work. I feel very blessed to have this God-given talent and I am very grateful that

I'm able to make a living doing what I love. "Dean's hobbies include traveling, hunting, gardening, movies, music and tennis. After a long day’s shoot he can often be found sprawled out next to a fire with a bowl of popcorn and a root-beer float watching PBR bull riding or a good movie. His favorite destination is New York City, where he and his wife take an annual vacation and spend their time dining at their favorite restaurants, attending Broadway shows, watching their favorite tennis players at the U.S. Open, and taking in the sights. They also never pass-up the opportunity to take a Caribbean cruise.

When not on a photo shoot or traveling, Dean spends his time with his wife, Kati, and their two beautiful daughters, Grace Kathryn and Ava Claire. The Riggotts live in southwest Rochester in a contemporary farmhouse, enjoy Saturday mornings at the local farmers market and weekends at the family cabin, spending time watching their favorite shows, going for walks and relaxing on their porch. Dean and Kati are also active in church, participating in small groups, Bible studies and the praise team. Well, OK, Dean doesn't sing, but his wife makes up for it.

Dean and Kati also appreciate good music and attending concerts of their favorite musicians, including Patty Griffin, Gavin DeGraw, Lyle Lovett, Van Morrison and Tony Bennett.

A true artist at heart, Dean attributes his successful career to four qualities: Fairness, honesty, professionalism and reliability. "My clients know they can count on me and that I will always provide them with high-end images that will meet or exceed their expectations. I take pride in providing my clients with exceptional work at a fair price."

"Establishing good relationships with my clients has been another key to my success. We understand each other and trust each other. I know what their expectations are and they know they can count on me to get them what they want."

Dean hopes you enjoy his photo galleries. 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.