Don Hayward grew up at a hydroelectric generating site on the Spanish River, surrounded by the natural world of the Canadian Shield. The experience of the north has influenced Don's feeling for the natural world. During 1970-71 he backpacked in Australia. Returning to Canada to study photography, Don met his wife Diane in Toronto. The family ran a small part-time farming operation in Dufferin County as Don worked in the electrical industry. Don and Diane now live in Goderich Ontario on the shore of Lake Huron.