Bryan Fredrick Peterson

Bryan F. Peterson, a world-renowned photographer and beloved father, brother and friend, passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of photographers, artists, and dreamers.

Bryan was born on May 17, 1952, in Vancouver, Washington. As the son of a Lutheran pastor, Bryan and his siblings spent their childhood moving around the Pacific Northwest –and even Missouri– following their father's congregation. Bryan eventually made his way down the coast to California as an adult, and, as his family expanded, he even lived overseas in Germany and in France. Later in life, Bryan lived in Chicago, IL and Washington State, before choosing Texas as his homebase during his last years.

Starting out as a paper boy and sports program salesman at 11 years old alongside his brother Gregory, Bryan was drawn to the arts in his early teens, taking up drawing and painting. In the 1970s, Bryan’s life changed forever when his oldest brother, Bill, put a camera in his hands. Bryan went on to devote 50 years of his life to photography, starting out as a wedding photographer, and eventually branching out into commercial photography before beginning his freelance work.

Now a world-renowned photographer, Bryan is celebrated for his vibrant, expressive work and his uncanny ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. As the bestselling author of Understanding Exposure and numerous other photography books, he educated and inspired readers across the globe. His words and images ignited passion in countless aspiring photographers, many of whom credit Bryan with giving them their creative start. As a gifted teacher and founder of the Bryan Peterson School of Photography, You Keep Shooting, and Bryan Peterson Photography Workshops – he generously shared his knowledge, patience, and creative vision with students from all walks of life. To learn from Bryan was to be challenged, encouraged, and ultimately transformed beyond his professional accomplishments, Bryan was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a cherished brother. His humor, warmth, and unmistakable energy lit up every room—and every conversation. Bryan loved to discuss most topics but he especially loved history, politics, sports, travel and nature. He was a very proud member of the Million Miler Program with United Airlines, flying across the globe more often than he could be found at home. He was always so happy to return home, wherever that was, so that he could either play golf or watch ESPN with his brothers, go on road trips with his children, or bake his favorite oatmeal raisin cookies.

Bryan will be greatly missed by his children, Justin Peterson of Killeen, Texas, Chloë Peterson of New York, NY, and Sophie Peterson of Seattle, WA. He is survived by his siblings, Susan Peterson, Gregory Peterson, Paul Peterson and Jim Peterson.

Bryan lived life through a lens of curiosity, creativity, and compassion. His presence was a gift, and his absence will be deeply felt. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Bryan’s memory by picking up a camera, finding beauty in the unexpected, and sharing your vision with the world.As Bryan would say, "You Keep Shooting!"