Visual historian and renowned music photographer Henry Diltz will be featured at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in an exhibition opening today. “California Dreaming” presents a visual account of the last four decades of popular music.

A reception for Diltz will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. There will be live music by Gary Foshee and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to meet and celebrate with Diltz.

A founding member of The Modern Folk Quartet, Diltz is as much at home as a musician on tour as a photographer capturing images of popular musicians.

His pictures began with a $20 second-hand Japanese camera purchased on tour with the quartet. Despite his lack of formal training, Diltz submerged himself and his photography in the world of music: The road, the gigs, the humor, the social consciousness, the psychedelia, the up and down times.

Capturing nearly one million images over a span of more than 40 years, Diltz’s work has graced hundreds of album covers and has been featured in books, magazines and newspapers.

The close rapport he developed with his musician friends has enabled him to capture candid shots that convey a rare feeling of intimacy with his subjects.

His unique artistic style has produced powerful photographic essays of Woodstock; The Monterey Pop Festival; The Doors; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Jimi Hendrix; and scores of other legendary artists.

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Diltz returns for a narrated slide presentation on Friday evening, May 16.

“I’ve always been very interested in people,” Diltz said. “Photography is a passport into people’s lives. It allows you to hang out and observe them.”

Tickets to the slide presentation will be $10 for museum members, $13 for non-members. They may be reserved by calling 686-1211.

Diltz continues his distinguished career, generating new and vibrant photographs. He recently celebrated the release of his new book, “California Dreaming.”

With more than 500 images — many iconic, many more previously unseen — this is an ultra-luxe, 344-page, large-format limited-edition book that includes commentary from a host of well-known musician friends.

The book and photographic images, each signed by the artist, will be available for purchase.

The exhibit will remain on display through June 22.

The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang is open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Fridays and weekends from noon to 4 p.m.

There is no charge for admission but the suggested donation is $3. Members of the museum and children 12 and under are admitted free.

For more information, call the museum at 686-1211 or visit www.

elverhoj.org.