Following in the footsteps of Elvis, Frank Sinatra and JFK.
Palm Springs, California makes a wonderful setting for the Photo Festival held there every year under the leadership of Jeff Dunas and this years’ Festival continued to enjoy this historic place. Like Les Contres Arles Photographie and Visa Pour L’image in Perpignan, festivals take on the feel of the place they are held. Palm Springs Photo Festival is definitely connected to its location.
The Festival came to life over dinner in the Korakia Pensione and it is there still. The Korakia’s Moroccan wing was built in 1924 for a Scottish painter and its guests have included Errol Flynn and Winston Churchill. The Mediterranean Wing was built in the 1930’s by a silent film star as a retreat. As the Festival has grown some of the events have been moved to nearby hotels and the Palm Springs Art Museum, but the heart of the Festival is still the Korakia. Palm Springs is also home to a collection of Mid-Century Modern Architecture houses and public buildings that make a wonderful backdrop for enjoying the festival.
As with all such events the devil is in the details and Jeff Dunas and his amazing crew keep everything moving. The level of support for the workshops and all the events enable participants to focus on learning and growing in their ability to photograph. I am looking forward to next year.
Bob McNeely
