Writer freethedust was raised in northern Utah. Hiking and camping in the Bear River Range and the Wellsville Mountains instilled in him a deep connection to the land, and over a span of years, he explored the wilds of Utah and the broader American West. Continually in search for new visions, Siporin uses his lens and words to express his main themes of solace, erasure of ego, and the natural wholeness and healing of spirit that western landscapes afford those willing to venture into wilderness.  
 
FreetheDust first learned how to use a camera while serving in the military. His photos have won awards such as the 2020 America’s State Parks Camping category winner and Honorable Mention in the 2021 International Photo Awards. He has published photos in multiple journals across the United States and his artwork has been featured in the Wagner gallery in Salt Lake City.