Photographer DONALD ALARIE is a native of southern Oregon who has been an outdoorsman since he was old enough to hold a fishing pole on frequent trips along the Rogue River in his dad's three-man boat. He developed a keen eye for capturing nature's wonders through his passion for climbing -- grabbing rubber on towering walls of rock, cutting crampons on frozen waterfalls, and whenever possible breathing the crisp air high on Mount Shasta -- taking in spectacular views that would wow anyone, but that few people ever see first hand.

Don's background as a mill worker and firefighter, and more recently the joys of fatherhood, have also formed his photography in ways that emphasize both action and personality.

He graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Art, and works out of his mountain home town, Grants Pass, where he lives with his wife Mandi, a veterinarian, and his 2 young sons. Don is proud that by 3 years old, his older boy knew little of traditional sports but could discuss at length ice axes and ropes.

Don can be contacted here.