Meet the Photographer Turning Naked Athletes Into Art

This desert photographer is working to redefine what it means to be an athlete, one stunning body at a time.

Photographer Peter Grant didn't have a typical childhood. He grew up between the jungles of Peru, the mountains of Bogotá, and the streets of Cartagena — raised by deeply Christian missionary parents in a household that, as he puts it, was "wonderful, abusive, and deeply religious."

That cocktail of contrasting beliefs would shape his interpretation of the world around him, evident in his tender but tough, confident yet introspective images.

Now based in the desert of Palm Springs, Peter captures men at their most powerful, both physically and energetically. But photography is more than a career path for Peter, and certainly more than a frivolous hobby. When describing his work, Peter says, "Photography is my soul's passion. Creating memorable images is like soul food."

Turning Shoots Into a Story

Peter's purpose doesn't stop at creating memorable images. He wanted to make a physical expression of his work that invites the viewer to experience it with their eyes, hands, and minds.

That's exactly what he did in his new book, ATHLETES.

A passion project born not from a publishing deal or big campaign, but from curiosity and connection. After returning to photography via Instagram, with a few nudges from followers, Peter saw an opportunity to pull his work together for a new medium.

Peter describes the atypical athletes featured in the book by highlighting the strength and determination they embody. He says, "They may not be famous, but each one has put in the drive, dedication, and discipline to get themselves in great shape."

Peter's creative vision transforms them into more than athletes—they are warriors, heroes, and sensual beings, and the results are stunning.

A Work in Progress

Peter doesn't always start with a fixed concept.

Sometimes inspiration comes from collaboration with a model, other times from an unassuming prop or landscape. Whatever the source, the goal is the same: to channel something timeless. Peter summarizes, "I'm looking to show off or connect with archetypes. It's not about perfection; it's about magic."

That same spirit is guiding his next project — a new book of nude male bodies shot across the deserts and pools of Palm Springs — and don’t worry, this time the book will include frontal nudity!

Creation is already underway, with shoots featuring some of his favorite Instagram muses. But even if you don't have a following, that won't stop Peter from featuring you in his work. "If you've put in the work to get in shape. I'm ready to work with you."

To hear more from Peter in his own words, keep reading our interview below.

GAYETY: Hey Peter! How are you doing today? What are you currently working on?

PETER: I'm doing well! I'm currently working on a new book of my Palm Springs shoots, both in the desert and underwater.

That sounds amazing! Congratulations on releasing your first book! How did the concept of ATHLETES come to be?

I had put photography on the back burner for a few years, only occasionally shooting portraits. Once Instagram was born, I saw other photographers I admired using the world as their stage. I thought I may have the chops to be in the mix and produce similar levels of work. I started shooting again with the goal of being in the mix with photographers I admired. After a few years of posting and inspired by requests from my followers, I decided to put a book together.

I’m glad your work led you to create a book. The images, the men—they're all beautiful, but these models are not athletes in the traditional sense, right?

LOL — I'm gay and was never traditional in my thinking. The subjects aren't professional athletes, but that doesn't minimize their accomplishments. They may not be famous, but each one has put in the drive, dedication, and discipline to get themselves in great shape. My goal is to eventually shoot world-class professional athletes.

The landscapes in the book play a crucial role. How did you choose the setups for each model?

I find a location or gear (Roman helmets, swords, bows, arrows) that inspires me. Sometimes, the model comes first, and sometimes, it's the location. I'm looking to show off or connect with archetypes.

Is there one image from this collection that best represents your work and style?

That's a tough question. I would say there are two, although it's like being asked to pick my favorite child: the cover jump shot and the color horse image. For me, that horse shot was worth the 7-hour drive to the location where I could source the horses. It took years to pull together the elements for that shot. The challenges of nudity, horses, privacy, and gay themed, and not having a ton of money to throw at someone. And the jump shot, because it epitomizes the athlete in motion. Eric Turner, my cover, is a top IG model.

Those are two great shots, and I'm glad you mentioned including black-and-white images because the book has a balanced mix of color and black-and-white photos. Was that intentional?

Each image speaks to whether it should be presented in B&W or color. I've been told the book has a beautiful flow, balance, and rhythm. It's laid out with the idea of a gallery presentation. My early nude work was B&W and four color B&W. I rarely shot color. The digital arena gives me a choice depending on my instinct and inspiration, and what brings the most magic as an end result. A touch of magic is always the goal.

Your work on ATHLETES already has us anticipating your next release. Do you have any details to hold us over?

Yes, the new book tentatively titled Palm Springs Oasis: Male Nude Studies from the Desert and Pool and Underwater Images. I've been in Palm Springs for four years and I've worked with some wonderful Instagram models.

That sounds amazing! Are you taking any lessons from publishing your first book into your second release?

Interesting question: Don't talk about it too much in advance. Talk and share about it once you're almost done and confident that it represents you well. Instagram followers had been asking about a book. Once I had announced on IG that I was starting a book, several art directors reached out and offered free design assistance. I was really flattered by the outpouring of support. The help was mostly with technical support (new software) and type layout on the cover. The rest was 100% me.

It's nice to hear people wanted to support you on this adventure. Similarly, do you have any advice for other photographers who might want to produce a book?

Show your best work, keep it simple, and make sure you have a signed model release at the start of each shoot.

For more from Peter, check out his Instagram. To support Peter’s work, you can purchase your own copy of Athletes here!