We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Boettcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue an artistic and creative career because I got to a point in my life where I realized I was not pursuing my deepest passion, biggest dreams and I wanted to set the example for my two amazing children to always chase their dreams! No matter how big they are or how many people say it can’t be done, if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. It is the message behind my brand Dipidiri. Dipidiri is an acronym for Dream it, plan it, do it, repeat it. It literally applies to everything that is most important in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I constantly push myself to learn and grow within photography. Being self taught and failing so many times and learning from each and every one of those experiences has been one of the most satisfying parts of this journey, because I overcame so many challenges along the way. Kobe Bryant once said “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. Man, was he right! Through my journey I have spent countless sleepless nights, whether it was planning the next shoot, editing for hours on end, thinking of the next steps of how I would take another leap in photography, meticulously preparing a post to share on socials and so much more. I have driven more miles than I care to even try to quantify. Used every last penny to my name to fill the tank one more time just to chase a storm in hopes of landing that banger bolt! It was not easy in the slightest, but now I have fine tuned it to be a natural part of my life and I am still continuing to improve each and every detail of the process. I have almost given up completely multiple times. Each time I have been in that place of not believing in myself, God has convinced me to go out and try just one more time. And every single time I have come home thinking thank God you didn’t give up because you just captured something truly incredible! From the Aurora Borealis in Arizona, to massive bolide meteors streaking through the night sky, to breathtaking storms and bolts! My whole brand is based on chasing your dreams! Dream it, plan it, do it, repeat it= Dipidiri! If you can dream it, you can do it! Those dreams were given to you and you alone! Tap into that and go make your dreams a reality! That is when you do something truly special!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let me take you on what we call a photography workshop for a week. Tucson is my home for now and for good reasons! There’s an incredible gastronomy scene here so there’s always good food to be had when you need some recharging after a chase. The tacos alone are fuel enough for me throughout Monsoon! From anywhere in our wonderful city you can be in the desert or mountains in 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a hike to one of our secret waterfalls in this desert oasis or some refreshing cool mountain air, we have it all. Mount Lemmon is a gorgeous drive from the base all the way to the top. Let the windows down, blast your music and just take in the scenery and fresh air. Sunsets in Tucson are to die for! I would put them up against any sunset in the world, especially during Monsoon! If you’re a night owl like myself, you can drive 30 minutes out of town and be treated to some of the most breathtaking dark skies in Arizona and dance under the Milky Way! When you’ve had your fill of the night sky and are in need of a nightcap, just head to Downtown Tucson or Fourth Ave and you can find whatever your heart desires, be it music, drinks, more food, arcades or dancing! We literally have it all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Through my journey there have been a handful of people that truly pushed me to chase my dream of becoming a world renowned photographer! I want to take a moment and give them a shoutout! First is Melissa Rosciano (@ladylunching). You believed in me when nobody even knew what my dream was and challenged me to pursue it with every ounce of my soul even when I continuously doubted myself, time and time again. Second is Buck Mills, my brother from another mother! If it were not for you I would not even be where I am today. You gave me the best Christmas gift ever when you gifted me my first camera all those years ago, and have given me unrelenting support through all of my overthinking and self doubt I have faced over the years of chasing this dream. Of course I have to also thank my Mama, Dad and Mom. My mama has chased wildfires, Milky Way, storms and sunsets with me and I will cherish those memories forever! My Dad was with me the first time I ever captured the stars, went with me to my first photography class, he was with me the first time I captured the Milky Way at 4:30am in early April when it was absolutely FREEZING! He was a champ out there with me! We’ve traveled hundreds of miles on last minute thrown together shoots all over Arizona and Utah! My Mom has simply supported me every step of the way and been one of my biggest fans since day one! I also have to mention my best friend and dream chasing partner Carlos Amador (@deans_lens go check him out and show him some love!), the endless chases, the road trips filled with laughter, the bangers and everything in between! Lastly, my kids, who have both been chasing with me countless times even if they didn’t want to and just put up with me during each chasing season (which is pretty much year ’round at this point.). Thank you to my inner circle past and present. This shout is dedicated to all the day ones!

Instagram: @dipidiriphotos

Twitter: @dipidiriphotos

Facebook: D.i.P.i.D.i.R.i (Nicholas Boettcher)

Other: Red Bubble: Dipidiri Photos

Image Credits
The photo of me submitted was shot by Melissa Rosciano.

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