Images and Imagination

My dear friend and fellow photographer Garrett Smith died Sunday afternoon after incurring irrecoverable injuries in an avalanche Saturday afternoon.  My friendship with Garrett began with photography and is is sustained by passion.  I remember so vividly him contacting me after my photography internship in D.C., his text read, “What’s your schedule this coming week? I would love to come check your shots out and hear the stories.” I of course was “busy” and it took 3 or 4 more calls before I actually made time to sit down and chat, how glad I am that I did.  In that meeting including Nate Sorensen and Nick Spurlock, I suggested we start a group where talk about world events, “philosophize” and share our skill and love of photography.  From that meeting came PhotoMasons.

Garrett was so passionate about this group and truly improving each other’s abilities.  He said I should be the President of PhotoMasons but in reality he was the foundation and the captain.  I have found myself committed to more school and work than photography in the past year, of which I am somewhat ashamed, however he was always supportive of what I was doing (except school, as he would say, “life is your university”) and he encouraged me to keep shooting.  Even when we hadn’t met for over 6 months, he sent a Christmas Day text, “Mason brothers, Merry Christmas today.  Keep up the search for light.”  He found the light and strived each day to share that with everyone he came in contact with.

I was asked to present to a group of high school students about working in the photography industry.  I sought input from fellow photographers, Garrett’s included.  This was his response.

1. What area of photography do you specialize in?

Outdoor commercial photography

2. Did you always want to be a photographer? At what age? If not, what did you want to be?

No, I wanted to be a vet as a young person. When I was 17 I started flying falcons as part my love for animals with falconry. During the beginning of flying falcons I was tremendously inspired by the beauty and one of my falconry mentors suggested that I purchase a small digital camera. From this time I became fascinated with the art of capturing life as it occurs. To capture the beauty of the world around me has become more and more important and fulfilling.

3. What do you love about your work life? What are its challenges?

What drives me every single day is the opportunity to be and improve as a communicator, creator, and curator. This is my challenge as well, to find opportunities to carryout these three main motivators while creating income from them and in support of them.

4. What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing photography as a profession?

The art and business of photography is evolving rapidly now and is in need of truly passionate individuals who are willing to adapt using both new and old technology from within and without of the photo industry. The greatest challenge of being in the creative industry is to maintain a business, all of the difficulty of handling accounting, marketing, editing can weigh on the creative flow. I believe that combination of passion and vocation is the true measure of success. In deciding to pursue the creative industry, create a long term plan that focuses on whatever industry you are passionate about and pursue it tirelessly. This passion and effort will pay off in the end after time and effort.

Garrett succeeded in balancing passion and vocation to support his lifestyle and beautiful bride.  I was blessed to photograph his wedding (which he originally didn’t want any photography) and to see the joy that comes from finding your true love.  I have never seen the two so happy and Garrett knew he scored huge.  My last communication with Garrett was a few weeks ago when he found out I was engaged.

Balls to the walls, congrats.  Katie just informed.  Brother, I’m very very happy for you and think you scored mega huge!

Garrett, I love you man.  Thank you for your friendship, counsel, support, passion, love for life and capturing the moments within it.  Enjoy shooting with your new lens and capturing the moments from on high.

His funeral service will be held Friday morning in Salt Lake.  Click here for details.

In hearing the news of Garrett, a fellow PhotoMason Nate Sorensen, sent his feelings through a letter addressed to Garrett.

Dear Garrett,

I miss you bro. We sure had a good run at it didn’t we? I don’t remember who connected our lives together, but I’d sure like to thank them because I can’t imagine my life without having known you.

How could I forget your tall-long stature and your epic long hair? Your very image was as genuine as gold.

Your smile said it all… Joy!

For life, for each day, for every moment.

I thank God for allowing us to share those joyful moments.

Your eyes saw it all.

Through your photography we can see the beautiful simplicities of life, and the thrills of each adventure it gives us. The lense may have captured the light, and the image may have been printed on the finest of paper, but it all started in your eye.

Your eye was single, and filled with light.

Your eye saw in me, and all others, godly potential and beauty.

Your heart did it all.

It opened up to let the Saviour in, then shut and locked the door so that He could dwell with you.

It drove your body, thoughts, actions, and your very being as you went about the world spreading kindness, laughter, love, and joy.

Your hands… big enough to clasp the both of mine, and a handshake that was more than a courtesy, but an act of love.

Hands that worked, and molded clay. I brought you my-self, and you made me better. You sculpted me, shaped me, and made me better, and I could never repay you.

Your feet.. took you there. From Guatemala to Israel, to the tops of the mountains, you used them well, and they blessed the world.

You walked with me, even over the sharpest of rocks.

You walked, you endured, and you did it all with a smile.

Your voice… Filled with love and laughter.

Spoke only positive words, words that lifted, and never brought down.

Comforted the sick and weary, and caused change.

It was indeed your voice that spoke to me, a young struggling missionary:

“Elder, if your companion is not on fire, drag him through the streets until he IS on fire. Thrust in your gnarly sickle!“

Those words have changed me, supported me, and brought salvation to many.

You, and everything about you my dear brother, will I miss!!! as I finish my mortal journey. But I will carry it with me, I will. Until we meet again, and yes, we will meet again!

God Speed Brother!

Elder Nate Sorensen“

My letter may not reach Garrets hands, but my prayers of gratitude will. As Garret would do, and would have us do, may we go about this week doing good, spreading light, and living each day, to our potential.

I love you all,

Elder Sorensen

One year ago today I was driving my way back from a week of surfing in Southern California with a renewed outlook on life; two weeks later I “nutted up” and asked Katie Bunting on a last minute double date (with great encouragement from Jake and Danielle Larsen) and had a glorious time.  We saw each other in a new light: out of high school, post-mission and open for love.  A few weeks later our dating really began after a forward text from the Allen brothers.

“Fire@the Allens @9pm. Spotlight on Mitch Dumke for being the tenth krew member to take out Katie Bunting. Congrats to Katie for being the most sought after babe on the market.  Special thanks goes to Andy, Balli, Taft, Will, Lowder, Gilson, T-cool, Corey and Dick for making this all possible. See you there!”

With that, I suggested we go together and show them how legit we were (little did we know how legit we really were together).  Since then it has been the sunshine and rainbows as well as rainy days (literally our whole Cali trip over Christmas was raining), with each day loving each other more and more for the strengths and weaknesses we each have and how we make each other better.

Our time in Kanab over President’s Day weekend reinforced that we loved every moment with each other and wanted this to last forever; so we didn’t waste anytime and stopped by State St. and 7200 S. on the way home, thats right…The Shane Co!  With a few ideas in mind, the ball was now in my court.  I had a sample image of a ring I’d like but didn’t think it existed, but as fate would have it, the last Jeweler I went, Morgan Jewelers to knew exactly which ring it was.  Put down a payment and three days after deciding to get married, the ring was paid for, talk with the dad done and dress nearly bought.

THE PROPOSAL

I picked up the ring this past Thursday and had pomp and circumstance plans to surprise her and propose on Saturday, but instead we were both surprised.  Driving home from work on Friday, I called Katie and we were trying to figure out our plans for the evening (Breanne and Brandon bailed on the double date…seriously, thanks).  She suggested a hike to enjoy the gorgeous weather, I shot it down because I had work to finish…lame.  After hanging up the phone I realized this was the perfect opportunity to surprise her.  I called Patrick and said, “Hey pal, I’m proposing to Katie tonight, can I get this to you later?”  He wisely permitted such activities (kinda painted him in a corner, thanks Pat).  Called Katie and the hike was on!

Directly up from 2100 S. there is a perfect triangular point I have really wanted to hike, and I always tell Katie about it.  We made our way up a quasi-trail made for deer and found a spectacular view at the top, including 5 herd of Elk!

There are five lines of Elk where the snowy hillside meets the dry side

We took a few pictures, and attempted a billion jumping ones with minimal success.  I pretended to turn off the camera but instead turned it to video and hit record. I gave her a note I had written earlier with a small paper folded in the envelope, as she opened the paper I set my intentions from stun to kill and moved to one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?”  Her response, “Miiiitch…..Yessss!!!!”  Lots of hugging and kissing ensued and then we enjoyed watching the night approach and city begin to come aglow.

We enjoyed it perhaps a little too long and had to bush-whack our way down the hillside but finally made it down.  We changed and then ate my personally favorite new spot, Frida Bistro.  The food is fantastic and every meal is made with precision and purpose.  Thanks to Frida Bistro for the great food, environment and flan on the house!

I’m not sure who looked at her ring more during dinner, me or Katie.  Needless to say we were encompassed with love and great feelings and can’t wait, but will, for MAY 12th!!!  Thanks to everyone who has played a role in mine and Katie’s life.  We acknowledge daily how we couldn’t have dated or met at a better time in each other’s lives and have been prepared for this time together.

Sorry mom, be happy

What makes a grown man cry? Watching his wife or mom saying goodbye to her last child for two years. Or try admitting that your youngest son or brother is growing into a man and will be refined into such over the next two years.  A 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is unlike any experience on earth.  When or where else are you soley focused on the spiritual and physical welfare of others and yourself day in and day out without concern of dating, a job or school?

Saying goodbye to Collin was one of the more tender moments in my life.  Its like watching your best friend get on your favorite roller coaster for his first time; he has no idea what to expect and not a lot of control, but with the right attitude, he’ll enjoy every up and down along the way, and after that ride is over, we’ll laugh…maybe cry and cherish the memories together.  It was difficult to know what advice to give Collin, he is by far more prepared than I was 6 years ago when I decided to serve and he has a better attitude out of the chute.  I suppose it sounded something like this:

“Collin, be wise, prayerful and faithful.  Be intellectually humble and spiritually hungry.  Never believe that there is only way to be a missionary or that miracles have ceased.  Love your companion, but don’t hug him twice in a row (you might get transferred).  Love the people of West Virginia and desire their happiness above your own (yours will be a byproduct of theirs).  Know that we are taken care and the Lord will do what He sees fit.  Two years is a long time, but the lessons and blessings of your service are eternal.”

Obedience is the price,

Faith is the power,

Love is the motivator,

The Spirit is the key,

Hard work is the answer and

Jesus Christ is the Reason

See you in two years pal!

Love you,

Mitch

Confession: My last post was for the 4th of July… hopefully a couple more Hail Mary’s from the Utes and I’ll be forgiven!

I haven’t stopped snappin, but I have definitely stopped posting; and thats just selfish! So what better time of year to show my gratitude for talents and opportunities and recommit myself to the wonderful exhibitionist world of blogging.  I’m not sure if posting my pictures is really any less selfish or vain but hopefully they bring a smile to those who view them, and I love sharing them

Turkey Day was glorious this year.  It was a chance to put the brakes on school and work, and remember the fiber and foundation of my being…my family.  Every family makeup has various dynamics, challenges, joys, differences, trials and triumphs.  Regardless though, our family is what has made us who we are, whether we like it or not.

Well I like it.  I am grateful for a warm house, with a warm meal and warm family to welcome me.  People provide perspective, but family provides fiber.

Wow! I think the 4th of July should happen on Sunday every year! When else do you get three nights of fireworks and more barbeque and patriotic pastries than your diet can handle?  In all seriousness though, I am grateful to have had the weekend to step away from work and the world a bit to laugh and love with family and celebrate in the festivities synonymous with the 4th.

Between the Oakley Rodeo, bocce ball in Park City followed by fireworks and an amazing day of hiking, pooltime and R&R (Rootbeer and Relaxation) on the roof, I can’t help but think how blessed I am to live in the U.S. of A.  My generation and ones surrounding it, are beginning to witness a forgotten phenomenon, the realities of war.  Some enlist for money, anger management, others a haircut or a simple wardrobe (green camouflage is so in right now), but the truth is the money is nothing relative to devoted time and emotional strain, anger doesn’t solve the world’s problems that you are fighting for, your haircut may look good but no one here cares and your wardrobe is only as nice as you keep blood stains off it and stay alive… some are never called up, some are safe, others lose an arm and some never some home. Thank you to all veterans, currently active soldiers and those enlisted.  I salute you til the day I die.  I pray we each remember that there is always a price tag for liberty and it isn’t cheap.

P.S. I apologize for the two month hiatus from blogging.  I have many adventures and thoughts that will trickle in over the ensuing weeks.