Through His Lens

East Coast native Neil Husvar decided to move to the Coachella Valley after a fateful vacation in the desert. Here, the busy photographer
 shares what he loves about Greater Palm Springs

Site Staff Social Scene

Neil Husvar
Photo courtesy of Neil Husvar

 

AGE: 43

RESIDENCE: Palm Springs

BACKGROUND: I began as a photographer in high school back in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I was the Art Honor Society’s official photographer. Upon graduating, I enlisted in the United States Army to learn combat photography. After my time in the military, I converted my knowledge to apply to a private photo business and have been happily shooting ever since!

WEBSITE: www.husvar-photo.com

CURRENT PROJECTS: I work often taking photographs for publications, as well as many local businesses with a specialty in food photography. And on weekends, I craft tiki drinks at Bootlegger Tiki.

LIFE PHILOSOPHY: Find something that you love to do, and be the best at it.

PERSONAL STYLE: An eclectic mix. I grew up in Pennsylvania, always traveling to New York to be part of the hardcore (punk rock) scene, [catching] matinees at CBGB and punk rock shows every weekend. I suppose you could say that I’m a happy leftover of that era.

 

His Favorite Things

 

photo by karen r. graninger

Mojave Resort in Palm Desert.

 

1

STAYCATION

The Mojave Resort in Palm Desert. My wife and I came out here seven years ago. We stayed at this midcentury gem. That night we decided to move to Palm Springs and we have never looked back. www.resortmojave.com

 

photo by marmol radziner

The Kaufman House.

 

2

MIDCENTURY HOME

The Kaufmann House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. It was built for Edgar Kaufmann, a Pennsylvania department store tycoon who moved here to escape the Pennsylvania winters. Which is exactly what I did seven years ago!

 

photo by neil husvar

Wood-fired pizza at Workshop Kitchen + Bar.

 

3

RESTAURANT

My favorite restaurant is Workshop Kitchen + Bar. Their dishes change constantly, emphasizing what is fresh, local, and in season. I like them all, but the wood-fired pizza gets me every time. www.workshoppalmsprings.com

 

 

photo by neil husvar

Joshua Tree National State Park.

4

DAY TRIP

Easily Joshua Tree National State Park. The pure beauty of this desert wonder is beyond words. www.nps.gov/jotr

 

5

ART GALLERY

I really enjoy the Filsinger Gallery on El Paseo. The fossil collection is mind- blowing. www.filsingergallery.com

 

photo by arianna menon

Bhakti Fest at Joshua Tree Retreat Center.

 

6

EVENT

Bhakti Fest at Joshua Tree Retreat Center. The most relaxing vibes you’ll encounter. www.west.bhaktifest.com

 

photo by jaime kowal

The Ernest Gantt 1934 Zombie.

 

7

BAR

Bootlegger Tiki. My favorite drink is the classic Ernest Gantt Original 1934 Zombie. www.bootleggertiki.com

 

8

MUSIC VENUE

I like Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert. Good local bands and great beers. www.schmidystavern.com

 

9

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

We love to hike in the beautiful Andreas Canyons. www.indian- canyons.com/andreas.html

 

photo courtesy of R & R Menswear

Penguin shirt.

 

10

STORE

R & R Menswear. I’m a big fan of their selection of Penguin and Ben Sherman. 760-320-3007

 

11

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE DESERT

Having grown up on the East Coast, I’d have to say the weather (and) the lack of snow!