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The Barber Off Fairfax

Los Angeles, California - 2018
Los Angeles, California

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 bottles
fight 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 trying to say with the image? Nothing. It’s just The Barber Off Fairfax.


The destination is hard core—half-empty whiskey and tequila bottles fight for space with hair products (and generally win that battle).

David Yarrow
Print sizes

Standard

37" x 72" Unframed

52” x 87” Framed

Edition of 12

Large

48" x 93" Unframed

63" x 108" Framed

Edition of 12

Rocket ManIce AgeFerrariCara CigarLA BabyKung Fu PandaAfter the FloodThe SuperheroThe Girl in the Feathered HatThe Goats of St. MoritzRear View MirrorThe Dallas CowboysThe Texas RangersThe Sheriff's DaughterSin CityThe Break UpBad AssesDawn CommuteThe SiberiansGhost RiderReservoir DogsParts UnknownCapriKemo SabeBearishFunnel CreekOnce Upon a Time in The WestThere Will Be OilFully EngagedRaising ArizonaThe Longhorn SaloonLakotaBear MarketPersons of InterestThe Late ShiftVantage PointCrestaAspen Has FallenThe Happy BearNantucket's Last SupperThe VikingThe WaitThe Fisherman's WifeRussian RouletteCloud NineBonnie and ClydeOilOn the RocksEthereal DuneBlack BeautyHarbinGame of PistolsTsavo EastRodeo