M. Peter Vogel was born in Paonia, Colorado, in 1916, receiving his higher education at the University of Alaska and University of Oregon Medical School, graduating in 1946. After serving as a flight surgeon for two years in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Vogel did general practice in medicine and surgery. In 1962 he took a residency in psychiatry and now (1981) serves as a psychiatrist at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Roseburg, Oregon.

While attending the University of Alaska, Mr. Vogel became interested in photography. During the summers, he worked for several mining companies: the Middlefork Mining Company, on the middle fork of the Chestochina River, the Engstrom Brothers Mining Company, on Ketchum Creek, and Half Dollar Mine, at Circle Hot Springs. He also worked on the construction of Ladd Field in Fairbanks and has several aviation photographs in his collection.

Today, Dr. Vogel continues his hobby, specializing in wildlife photography, an interest shared with his wife, a noted wildlife artist. He maintains his own photographic lab.