PhotoCarmel, the first local photo festival of its kind, is here.

Katie Rodriguez here, sharing a personal story with you all. I just started working my way through a book called The Artist’s Way. It’s a book that doubles as a guide of sorts, that helps readers work through creative blocks that are getting in the way of making art—whatever that means to you.

Before coming to Monterey County and working at the Weekly, I was a photojournalist covering all sorts of things. I’ve always loved photography, but I got burnt out. I hit the doldrums. Now that it isn’t my primary job anymore, I’ve barely touched my camera. 

Not loving my work and feeling like I wanted to reinvent the wheel, enter: The Artist’s Way.

Being inspired is the first step to wanting to create something, and it’s amazing what being surrounded by people passionate about your craft, or even a craft you’ve never considered, can do.

Reading my colleague Agata Popęda’s article about a new festival coming to town, her article begins: “Consider April 2025 a month of photography in Monterey County.” I got excited.

PhotoCarmel 2025, a festival organized by the Center for Photographic Art, will bring together photographers and photo enthusiasts from all over. Across the county, galleries, colleges and businesses will host exhibitions, discussions and other events to celebrate photography and inspire creativity.

The festival’s agenda includes workshops on creating your own photo book, as well as sessions on different printers and paper types best suited for various styles of photographic work.

It’s a bit of a pilot project—the first of its kind here—as organizers gauge community interest. And judging by the fact that some events, including this weekend’s portfolio review sessions, have already sold out, the enthusiasm is starting out strong.

If you’re looking to learn, get inspired or simply admire the work of incredible photographers, you can find more information about the festival and its events here. Perhaps I’ll see you there.