Born in 1944 in Stockholm, Anders Petersen received his artistic training at Christer Stroemholms Fotoskolan academy in 1966-68 and the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1973-74. Stroemholm became a close and important friend. Since his first photo book, Groena Lund, was published in 1973, there has been a steady stream of books with texts in English, French, Swedish and German.

Petersen has exhibited his work frequently in Sweden and throughout Europe, in Tokyo, New York, Istanbul and Moscow. Anders Petersen is the recipient of many Swedish and international prizes and grants. In 2003, he was awarded the distinction `The Photographer of the Year' at the major photography festival Rencontres d'Arles in Arles, France.