The “Coachella of books” has arrived. The biggest literary event in the country, the L.A. Times Festival of Books, kicked off at USC this weekend. The 31st annual event features more than 500 authors, including Lionel Richie, Tina Knowles, Larry David, Pat Benatar, Amy Tan, Anne Lamott and more. Several of these talented individuals stopped by the L.A. Times photo studio to have their portraits taken between spirited panel discussions and book signings.
Here are some portrait highlights from the 2026 Festival of Books:
Lisa Rinna author of “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.”
Morgan Hutchinson and Brett Hutchinson.
Daniel Humme and Roda Ahmed.
Rachel Renee Russell, Presli Noelle James, Kim James, Nikki Russell and Cori James.
Chet’la Sebree 2026 finalist for the LA Times Book Prize in Poetry for her collection “Blue Opening.”
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein.