Scott Ridgway has been a professional photographer for 25 years. He is the third generation photographer to
come from this family.
Scott has discovered a new passion, photographing Native American life including portraits of families, children and elders.
His subjects have also included Pow Wow dancers and give-aways, Coming of Age Ceremonies, honoring of elders, award shows
and special events.
His photographic activities have included travel across much of the United States. He also expanded the type of events to
include World Championships, Santa Fe Indian Markets (SWAIA), International Association of Indian Arts (IAIA) Fashion Show,
and Schemitzun Pow Wow & Rodeo for the Mashantucket Pequot PR Department. Scott donated a large print to the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow Committee in 2004 depicting the Grand Entry with 2000 dancers, which is currently hanging in the entrance
of the University of New Mexico “The Pit.” In 2005 the Gathering of Nations gifted Scott a large booth in which to exhibit his photography. Later in the year, Scott worked under Federal Grant guidelines for the Grand Traverse Ottawa Chippewa Tribe
in Michigan.
Scott has a gift of being able to speak to most people with integrity, honesty, a sense of humor and an open heart. He has learned that his humor is an asset and of great value when relating to the Native Peoples. Being willing to be teased and knowing how to tease comes in very handy. You can't miss him around the arena because he always wears a cowboy hat. The Native People know him as “tall man with hat.”
