By Valerie Milano
Palm Desert, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/8/26 – The soundtrack of our lives is about to take center stage in the desert.
Legendary Hollywood celebrity photographer Harry Langdon and Hollywood Times writer and rock and roll photographer Jimmy Steinfeldt are bringing decades of iconic music imagery to the desert with their upcoming exhibition, “Desert Rocks: Music Photography.” The exhibition is part of the Artists Council’s annual “Through the Lens” Photography Exhibition and Sale, opening March 11 and running through April 5 in Palm Desert.
The show will feature striking photographs of legendary performers captured by two artists who have spent their careers documenting music history through their lenses.
I recently sat down with both Langdon and Steinfeldt for a Zoom interview to talk about the inspiration behind the show and the power of music photography.
Enjoy our conversation:
A friendship that sparked an exhibition.
The idea for Desert Rocks grew out of a friendship between the two photographers, who are neighbors in La Quinta.
Steinfeldt explained that the concept came naturally after years of collaboration and conversation.
“We’re great friends,” Steinfeldt shared. “I had interviewed Harry for The Hollywood Times years ago, and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to approach the Artists Council about doing a show together featuring our music photography.”
The organization enthusiastically embraced the concept, offering them a special gallery within the annual photography exhibition. From there, the project began to take shape.
“We’ve been working on it ever since,” Steinfeldt said. “And that’s when I came up with the title Desert Rocks.”
Capturing the legends
Harry Langdon’s career spans decades and includes photographing some of the most recognizable figures in entertainment history—from Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross to Tina Turner, Donna Summer, and Joan Rivers.
Despite their fame, Langdon says many performers share one surprising trait when they step in front of the camera: insecurity.
“Most of them are insecure when they come in for a photo session,” Langdon said. “So, the first thing I do is reassure them that I’m not a paparazzi. I’m their friend behind the camera.”
Building that trust, he explained, is essential to capturing authentic moments.
“Once they see the first shot and realize they look good, the energy changes. Then it’s just bang, bang, bang—shot after shot.”
Among the many artists he has photographed, Langdon says Frank Sinatra remains one of the most unforgettable.
“I was flabbergasted that he would even allow me to photograph him,” Langdon recalled. “But then you work together, and suddenly it becomes this amazing creative collaboration.”
The music behind the image
For Jimmy Steinfeldt, music itself plays a critical role in the photography process.
“I always have music playing during a photo shoot,” he said. “I ask the artist in advance what they’d like to hear. It helps create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable.”
As both a writer and photographer, Steinfeldt approaches portraiture as storytelling.
Many of the artists he photographs are also songwriters, so conversations often drift into literature and creativity.
“Talking about books they grew up reading can really put them at ease,” Steinfeldt explained. “It helps them realize they’re talking to someone who understands their creative world.”
Music photography as cultural memory
One of the most powerful aspects of music photography is its ability to capture a moment in cultural history.
“When people see these images, they remember where they were when they heard that music,” Langdon said.
In the gallery setting, those memories become part of the experience.
Visitors entering the exhibition will immediately encounter a striking wall dedicated to Frank Sinatra, including images of Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, and the Rat Pack.
Additional photographs in the show feature music legends such as Rod Stewart, Chuck Berry, Sheryl Crow, and Eric Clapton.
“These photographs remind people of a time in their lives,” Langdon said. “Music has that power.”
Collectible fine art prints
The exhibition will feature 15 signed prints from each photographer, professionally framed under museum-quality glass and produced as archival prints designed to last for generations.
Both artists will also have their photography books available.
Langdon’s book highlighting his Hollywood portrait work is available on Amazon, while Steinfeldt’s book “Rock and Roll Lens” will be available through his website and at the gallery gift shop.
Visitors attending the opening reception will also have the opportunity to meet the artists and have books signed.
Event Detail:
Desert Rocks – Music Photography by Jimmy Steinfeldt and Harry Langdon
Exhibition dates: March 11 – April 5, 2026
Opening reception: Thursday, March 12 – 5–7 p.m.
Soft drinks and snacks provided
Location
Artists Center
72567 Hwy 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Admission to the opening reception is free and open to the public.
Experience Desert Rocks
With its mix of legendary artists, storytelling, and striking imagery, “Desert Rocks: Music Photography” promises to be a must-see exhibition for music lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
I will be attending the opening reception and look forward to seeing these remarkable images up close with the artists themselves.
For fans of rock history and photography alike, the desert is about to get a little louder.
About Harry Langdon
Harry Langdon is a world famous photographer who
has photographed leading Celebrities and VIP for over 50 years.
His clients include names like Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Cher, George Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Angelina Jolie, Dwayne Johnson, Halle Berry, Rachel Welch, Will Smith, Sophia Loren, Aretha Franklin, Bob Mackie, etc…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Langdon_Jr.
About Jimmy Steinfeldt
Jimmy is a self-taught photographer who has only to look through the camera lens for inspiration. He cites photographer Richard Avedon and cinematographer Karl Freund among his strongest influences. His unique photographic style conveys the personality of his subjects while also conveying their story. Clients include Warner Bros, BizRate, Sony, Gibson, Fox, King World, Business Solutions, Epiphone, New Line, Taylor, Universal, and Fender.
Jimmy graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Business Management. He’s traveled the world photographing people and places.
To check out Jimmy’s music photography go to: www.jimmysteinfeldt.com
