When I was working in Los Angeles, I was in serious need of a haircut. I found myself being directed to an establishment called the Proper Barbershop. The shop was a museum to popular culture from the last 40 years—almost no wall space had been spared—and the 1920s barber chairs from Chicago were surrounded by a visual palette as strong as I had seen in any room for some time.
The destination is hard core—half-empty whiskey and tequila bottlesfight for space with hair products (and generally win that battle). Most of the stylists are covered from head to toe in tattoos, and the restroom is decorated exclusively in heterosexual porn photos.
I knew I needed characters in the image who would highlight the vibrant culture of Los Angeles and the hipster vibe of Fairfax. The Compton Cowboys were a start. I thought a 1970s roller skating disco girl was a great addition, especially if I could find another Boogie Nights–type of character to endorse that angle. Then I just wanted to fill in with some other badass characters.
The best image from that day is a winner. From a technical perspective, it was a tough day. There was so little light coming into the shop, and I didn’t want to destroy the sense of place by using too much LED panel lighting. Getting that crowd and the horse to stay still was no easy task. Focus and detail were everything. What am I tryingto say with the image? Nothing. It’s just The Barber Off Fairfax.
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