Once again Jeff Dunas has put together an iconic multi-day photographic love fest in the middle of paradise. For photographers seeking to learn new skills or for inspiration or immersion in a community that eats, sleeps and breathes photography there is no better place. The pictures tell the story. There were workshops and seminars, slideshows, talks, free prints to be made on giant printers and Palm Springs as a background and playground.
One feature of PSPF is their portfolio reviews. Hundreds of serious photographers looking for feedback or knowledge about how to take the next step in their careers sit with a broad selection of experts from galleries, book publishers, magazine editors, ad agencies, etc. to hear feedback on their work. The process is both enlightening and nerve wracking. I sat on the outskirts of the portfolio area for a while just watching faces and making a few pictures. The level of passion and care on both sides of the table was wonderful to see.
Another reason people come to PSPF is to learn technique from the distinguished faculty that teaches there. This year for instance the festival brought in Bob Primes A.S.C. from Los Angeles to teach a class in cinematographic lighting techniques for still photographers. With a growing demand for moving images and a general feeling among photographers that they have to distinguish their work from anything that can be made with an iPhone the class was well attended. I sat in for a while and watched as Bob and his assistant/cinematographer in her own right Danna Kinsky shared their experience in creating light that people can move in.
Across the courtyard, photographer David Burnett was teaching a multi-day class on documentary photography. I asked for student impressions about the class and Noel Marcantel responded “What makes the Palm Springs Photo Festival great is the ability to walk among and learn from dozens of the greatest photographers in the world. David’s instruction and advice has helped me focus my energy and the intent with which I approach my work”.
If learning about lighting or documentary photography was not your desire there were classes in portraiture, architecture, journalism, DSLR filmmaking and fine art narrative. There were evening presentations by people like Howard Schatz, Neal Slavin, Bruce Gliden and Sandro. There were symposiums and seminars and networking events. It was a very full and delicious plate.
For photography like many other professions continuing education has become the norm. For many photographers, the days of learning a set of techniques and then slowly evolving them over the years seem over. Festivals like PSPF bring a universities’ worth of resources together for a few days and for those days you can go and be part of a community of learning. Very cool!
Andy Romanoff – http://andyromanoff.zenfolio.com/
David Burnett – www.contactpressimages.com
Bob Primes – http://www.robertprimes.com/
FESTIVAL
Palm Springs Photo Festival
24 – 29 April 2016
Palm Springs, USA
http://www.palmspringsphotofestival.com
