At Peepa’s, we believe in celebrating individuality, artistry, and bold self-expression, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce Athletes, the debut photography book from Peter Grant, now available in our brand new Peepa’s Men’s Store in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, right next to the original Peepa's.
This striking collection features powerful, intimate portraits of tastefully unclothed athletic men captured in elegant, classic poses inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art. With each image, Grant reveals the beauty of strength, vulnerability, and human vitality — a theme that threads throughout his work and life.
Peter’s journey as a photographer began early — his first subject, fittingly, was a male nude study while still in school. That series led to a one-man show in Washington DC and sparked a passion that’s never left him. “Photography is my soul’s passion,” says Grant. “Working with people and creating memorable images is like soul food for me… there’s no other way to describe it.”
Born in Washington DC and raised in Peru and Colombia, Peter’s global upbringing shaped his sensitivity to beauty, form, and the human condition. Now based in Palm Springs, he blends decades of study in movement, Pilates, breathwork, and neuro-linguistics into every shoot. His background in wellness fuels his creative process — making each photo session not just a shoot, but a collaboration in artistry and energy.
Athletes is the realization of a long-held dream. As his social media following grew, fans began asking if he’d ever publish a book. “I had dreamed of doing a book for years,” he explains. “But it was just a passing idea until people started encouraging me to go for it.”
With no formal budget, Peter announced his plan on Instagram — and the creative community responded. Several art directors offered to help with design and layout for free, simply because they believed in his vision. The result is a breathtaking volume that celebrates fitness, diversity, and the beauty of the human form. Subjects in Athletes range in age from 25 to 60 and reflect a rich mix of ethnicities united by their dedication to physicality and presence.
The book is also a testament to kindness. “When I started shooting toward the goal of a book,” Peter says, “I made a deal with myself to only shoot with nice people.” That spirit of warmth, trust, and mutual respect comes through in every single frame, as models move through each pose and each page with purpose and prowess.
Peter cites Bruce Weber, Matthew Rolston, and Herb Ritts among his major influences, along with the haunting tone of Paradise Lost. His long-term dream? To shoot for ESPN’s Body Issue. “Until that happens, I bring that photography style and dedication to everyday fitness champions,” he says. “If you’ve put in the work to get in shape, I’m ready to work with you.”
And for fans eager for more, there’s good news — a second book is already in the works. Focused on the Palm Springs region where Peter has been shooting for the last five years, this follow-up will feature fitness portraits, desert and underwater male nude studies, and — unlike Athletes — full frontal nudity.
We are honored to carry Athletes at Peepa’s and to support a visionary artist like Peter Grant. His work doesn’t just showcase the body; it captures the spirit within it.
Follow Peter Grant on Instagram and Facebook at Peter Grant Studios (there are lots of Peter Grants, but only one Peter Grant Studios) to see more of his evolving portfolio.
Come by Peepa’s in Palm Springs to get your copy of Athletes — and see why Peter Grant’s artistic vision is one of the most exciting in contemporary photography.