Don Kirby

Born in farming country in Missouri, Don Kirby initially studied math and physics, completing advanced degrees in the subjects with photography as a creative interest. Moving to California and working in the aerospace industry, his sparetime activities of mountain climbing, backpacking and river running spurred his interest in photography. Eventually he left the aerospace field and concentrated on photography. Initially his photography concentrated on the Colorado Plateau and the canyon country of Utah and Arizona. More recently, he has been doing extensive work in the Pacific Northwest and in Anasazi ruins. Don is well-known for his black-and-white photography. In addition to his own workshops, Kirby teaches in the Photographic Arts Workshops, the Coupeville Art Center workshop programs and the University of Alaska. He lives with his partner, photographer Joan Gentry.