Jason M. Peterson

Biography
View works. Jason M. Peterson, Dark Empire
Dark Empire
View works
With over one million followers drawn to his cinematic black and white photography, Jason M. Peterson has become one of today’s most recognizable visual storytellers. His images—defined by striking contrast, architectural precision, and raw human emotion—transform the urban landscape into collectible works of contemporary fine art.

Who is Jason M. Peterson? 

Jason M. Peterson is an American photographer known for his striking black and white photography that captures the intersection of light, architecture, and the human condition. Based in Chicago, Peterson has spent over three decades refining a visual language that transforms the urban landscape into timeless works of art. His images—often depicting lone figures dwarfed by grand architectural structures—invite viewers to feel both the scale of the city and the emotion of a fleeting human moment.

 

With over one million followers on Instagram, Peterson’s moody, high-contrast compositions have become instantly recognizable for their cinematic quality and masterful use of light and shadow. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Harry Callahan, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Ray Metzker, his work echoes the sophistication of classic black and white photography while remaining distinctly contemporary. Peterson’s signature aesthetic—solid blacks, bright whites, and precise geometry—transcends time, creating imagery that feels both modern and nostalgic.

 

A creative director at The Times, Peterson’s advertising background informs his strong sense of composition and storytelling. Each photograph carries the balance of design and emotion, resulting in visual narratives that are as graphic as they are human. Whether captured on his Leica or iPhone, his approach remains rooted in patience, intuition, and an obsession with light. “I’m not trying to take a perfect photo,” Peterson says. “I’m trying to make people feel something.”

 

Collectors are drawn to Peterson’s photography for its timelessness and depth. His images—void of color yet rich in feeling—blur the line between fine art and modern design. Each piece functions as a meditation on time, emotion, and urban life, offering an enduring investment in visual storytelling that never fades.

Works
  • “All the dust & glass”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    All the dust & glass
  • “Before We Were Lost”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Before We Were Lost
  • “Boiling Point”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Boiling Point
  • “Dark Empire”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Dark Empire
  • “Hiding ghosts”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Hiding ghosts
  • “Not even half a life”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Not even half a life
  • “One Last Wish”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    One Last Wish
  • “One of Your Voices”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    One of Your Voices
  • “Swiss bank accounts”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Swiss bank accounts
  • “The roles of rock thermal conductivity and fluctuating water levels”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    The roles of rock thermal conductivity and fluctuating water levels
  • “There's a white light coming up draw the blinds, hoping it'll pass”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    There's a white light coming up draw the blinds, hoping it'll pass
  • “Tidal waves”, photograph by American artist Jason M. Peterson. Available at Carousel Fine Art.
    Tidal waves