Live and Loud: Grunge Photography with Charles Peterson

Santa Fe Workshops free online event series, Creativity Continues, presents an unforgettable evening with photographer Charles Peterson, whose iconic images defined the visual language of the grunge era. Internationally recognized for capturing the raw energy and chaotic beauty of Seattle’s underground music scene, Charles rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early ’90s through his work with Sub Pop Records and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. His distinct, wide-angle style didn’t just document a moment, it helped shape the mythology of a generation.

In this dynamic presentation, Charles walks us through six seminal live shows that shaped both his photographic voice and the cultural narrative of that era. He unpacks the aesthetic and instinctual choices that transformed his work from music documentation into lasting fine art. Charles explores his early intention to create timeless imagery rather than simply timestamp the scene, discussing lighting, framing, the decisive moment, and how each photograph lives on in prints, books, and exhibitions. This personal tour through his archive offers a rare lens on how one photographer’s vision helped define an era and continues to resonate today.

Charles’s presentation offers an in-depth look at the technique behind some of his most recognized images, all anchored in the broader conversation of music, memory, and the evolving identity of photography. Charles ends the program with a live Q&A session with the webinar audience. For those unable to attend live, a recording is available to all registered participants.

Creativity Continues is a program that collectively develops creative voices by offering connection and encouraging expression. Because the goal is to engage all within our creative community, we encourage you to extend invitations and share Santa Fe Workshops Creativity Continues events with anyone who expresses an interest.