01/01/2023
What a year. I often struggle to find the perfect set of words to fit in this section. Maybe it’s because the moments behind each image are so personal to me that I’d rather keep my favorite photos to myself? This time, I’m ready to share.
The inspiration behind this image is the foundation that my Grandpa Frank laid for my family. Yosemite Valley is sacred to those that stem from the Gutierrez clan. I remember watching Huell Howser’s Firefall episode with him, I’ve hiked the backcountry alongside my father and brothers, some in my family have even taken their first steps here, and although many photographers feel as though they’re following in Ansel Adam’s footsteps, I’m walking in my Grandfather’s shoes.
As my grandfather’s health began to deteriorate in 2021, my mother repeatedly told me that I needed to make time to see him. I shrugged it off and always replied, “OK, I’ll make some time for him”. My cousin mentioned to me that his dying wish was to see Yosemite one last time, but with each passing day that goal became unrealistic. I had the bright idea that I would find a way to bring Yosemite to him. So after a work trip to San Jose, I stopped by for a morning expedition on my way home.
This place is magical. I could visit it a million times and each time it reminds me how easy it is to fall in love with. I returned with so many pictures and excitement of how happy I was going to make my grandfather. I procrastinated visiting him because my images had to be perfect. His health deteriorated faster than I anticipated and by the time I was able to share my print with him, he could only manage to whisper one word. Two days later on April 6th, 2022, he quietly passed away.
I learned a valuable lesson, to stop waiting for the perfect moment to line up. Life is too short and it’s way to easy to miss great opportunities by waiting for the perfect one to appear. I’m grateful for all that 2022 has given me and at the ripe age of 33, I learned a lot about myself. This year was about growth, but less about reaching new heights and more about my roots reaching into deeper places. I’m beyond excited what 2023 is going to offer and I hope the same for you.