Brandt was born April 7th, 1952 in Provo, UT. In his youth, he moved to Arizona and graduated from Mesa High School in 1970. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bolivia and then studied architecture at ASU.
From a young age, Brandt had a creative mind and loved to build things. His passion for photography began when he built a darkroom behind his parents’ home as a teenager. It also served as a studio where he could develop, design and bring his ideas to life. Brandt enjoyed music and dancing. He performed with a folk dance group and toured several states while singing with the LDS Single Adult Choir. In 1973 Brandt opened his photography studio, which earned regard as the premier family and wedding photography studio in the East Valley.
While at ASU, Brandt was in charge of organizing a fine arts festival for the Institute of Religion. By recommendation, he contacted Phoenix Symphony harpist, Karen Krisel, a new member of the church. They fell in love and were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on Nov. 3, 1979.
To those who knew him, Brandt was an enthusiastic friend. He had a gift for seeing the beauty in the world all around him and in people. He was always willing to share a smile, lend an ear and offer valuable advice. His friendly, happy demeanor made him a joy to be around. If he was going to do something, he researched it tirelessly and excelled at it. He even made his own guitar!
Brandt spent his life bringing smiles to others and will be remembered for his dynamic and creative personality. He lifted others with his laughter and stories, his zest for life and learning. With his keen mind and abundant knowledge, his artistry found expression in his homes, gardens, and especially building people he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife Karen, his sons Justin (June), Morgan (Sonrisa); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings, Joe and Lilly. He was preceded in death by – and now joins – his mother and father, Donald and Euridice Seegmiller, and his brother Michael. Brandt is lovingly remembered and admired by his Brandt Photography family, many of whom consider him a second father and mentor.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m. The services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse located at 4525 E Knox Rd Phoenix, Arizona.
We had so much fun with Karen and Brandt in choir – lots of singing and laughing with them. Such a wonderful couple. I’m glad to have known Brandt. Much love to your family.
Is this the same elder segmiller that was in Oruro Bolivia in about 1971? I only knew him for about 3 days when he had trouble breathing it’s about breathing at such a high altitude. We got him some oxygen Put him on a train With his companion elder Washburn and sent him down to Cochabamba.
My deepest sympathies to Karen, Morgan and your families. We enjoyed our times with your family and are heartbroken to hear if your loss. God bless!
Brandt added lots of energy and positive attitude to stake choir rehearsals and performances. I don’t think I ever saw him without a big smile. He made a great team with Karen, and I have been so blessed to know both of them.
Brandt was like a second Dad to me. He always supported me in my endeavors and believed in me. He loved to tease me and was always prepared with a silly dad joke. He was so generous to those less fortunate. He was often late to events or portrait sessions because of his desire to connect with others and his gift of gab. 😂 I’m going to miss his excitement to hear my voice whenever I called to catch up. He was such a good example to me and I’m so lucky to have been blessed to have him as my boss. During my young adult years when I needed examples of responsible, mature, healthy adult/parent figures in my life, he was there.
The Seegmillers’ was the place to hang out as a kid – always welcoming and always fun. Brandt was a life-long mentor and friend in Scouts, at church and at work. He had no shortage of new ideas, dad jokes or patience. I am a better person for having had him in my life.
Moving to Mesa in 1992 as a professional photographer I remember meeting Brandt and we started an admiration for each others work. I was always so impressed with his creativity in finding incredible locations for family portraits. He had the gifts of not only technically creating quality images but with a realistic approach of capturing just the right expressions and love in families. He was always available for a technical chat or sharing of business ideas. Brandt’s website was an inspiration to see. It showed his best work and with a true artists flair.
His reputation and quality images will live on in peoples lives and their history for ever!
Thank you Brandt for making my life better and the world better!
Brandt will always be remembered as a great friend, and an innovator. He always had this ides to build a three wheeled car and made several models! He was a talented artist with his craft and a great gguy to hang around with. He will be missed very much!