Today we’d like to introduce you to Shena Pridgett.
Hi Shena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for making content started WAY back in the early 201os. My twin, Shira and I watched YouTube more than TV and I loved the idea or picking up a camera, filming something fun, taking cool photos, doing cool edits on iMovie, Windows Movie Maker or Sony Vegas (sometimes I did AMVs/Anime Music Videos, some folks know what I’m talking about!), uploading it, and watching it over and over again. I found so much satisfaction in the fact that the average person could make something out of nothing. My parents also took a lot of photos growing up, from their childhood to mine. We grew up with stacks of family photos that they took and the ones my twin and I started taking in elementary school. Capturing moments was just something I was meant for.
Years and LOTS of content later, I aim to create a complete piece of content EVERY DAY that I can. Outfit photos, fashion videos, BTS content, collabs, sponsored, gifted content, and whatever other ideas find me. 2026 is the year I hold myself accountable and create the things I’ve always wanted. I owe It to my younger self that always dreamed of seeing more black women in production.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my BIGGEST hurdles in my creative career has been recovering from the height of the COVID19 pandemic and initial lockdown. 2018-19 was the height of my early career. I finished my film studies at MediaTech Institute Dallas. Took an internship at Dallas Girl Gang helping with events and capturing content. Went to as many photo walks and meet ups around DFW I could make. Had multiple photoshoots a week. So much networking and it was the HUNGRIEST I have ever been for my craft. Then, everything got put on pause. Cancelled weddings, potential gigs, getting to make good money freelancing full time, a stunt in my networking skills. Thankfully, I’ve been finding my footing again with the last year, but things definitely haven’t been the same since before the pandemic, which is obviously something the WHOLE WORLD had to deal with. It was slightly comforting in knowing it wasn’t just me struggling in the current climate of the world, but being in an economy that’s suffering and bringing me less paid clients for my craft has absolutely taken a toll.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The96Twinz Productions?
I am one half of a mini production/personality duo with my twin sister, Shira, called The96Twinz Productions! We used to have a funny tagline that “if it took a camera, we could do it”. and that’s still, mostly, true. Having so many years of experience in front of and behind the camera and having the two of us be able to create together for ourselves and others has helped us tap into so many different styles and genres. Portraits, events, food, products, fashion editorial, branding, e-commerce, short films, mini documentaries, interviews, music videos, dance films, vlogs, and whatever other niche our hearts and minds led us to, we would try it.
Out of us two, I mainly specialize in photography (digital and 35mm film) and directing. I cover photoshoots and all the management and editing for the photos, while Shira assists me. Shira will be the main videographer/cam op, for video shoots, and I’ll help direct. She edits our long form, more effect heavy video projects.
My favorite thing with my photography that I’ve become known for is the soft, cinematic look I usually aim for. Sometimes I like going for something more surreal when I get to do some experimenting with lighting, interesting locations, and unique color grading. I’m personally a fashion enthusiast, so I usually lean to fashion editorials or portraits when I do collabs with other creatives or self portraits. Also, being a female creative, a majority of my subjects are other women. I’m EXTREMELY proud of becoming a safe space for women to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s their first professional session or they’ve been in this industry for years and this is their next fun project. Each subject, collaborator, and client that crosses paths with my sister and I are important to us and it’s and honor to use my gifts to cultivate such interesting connections around Dallas, my home.
If anyone in the DFW and surrounding areas needs to capture or create some magic, we’re the twins for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our socials!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
You never know unless you TRY. People might make fun of you, call you cringe, dismiss you, but all that effort and RISK-TAKING is what gets you above all of that. It could be something small like posting a different style photoshoot or video than what you’re used to. It could be something big like deciding to REALLY commit to your dream career instead of doing what’s comfortable for now, Getting out of that comfort zone and making an effort to show you’re willing to do what it takes to get where you want to be WILL get noticed by the right people. This, I know from personal experience. Risk doesn’t need to be dangerous either. Just be ready for anything, even your next big opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the96twinzproductions.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenashenanigans/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shenashenanigans
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shenashenanigans
