Catalina Island-Lolo’s Barber Shop

Took another trip out to Catalina Island this past weekend. It’s quickly become one of my favorite destinations, anywhere. It’s the only place I’ve ever been where the term “Time flies when your having fun” doesn’t apply. We always have an amazing time, but the days seem to last forever. I really don’t understand it. Such a unique and original place. Being so small I wondered if I would get sick of it, but the more you explore the better it gets. The shooting I did this trip was much different from the last. If you want to get a feel for the island, check out the images from my last trip here.

Recently I decided to begin another long term personal project shooting old school barber shop’s. There is something about them that has always appealed to me. Especially now that people want to be so pampered and everything has become plastic and fake. The barber shop is a place where men can be men. No frills and no worry about hurting someone’s feelings if you talk freely. A place that wreaks of cigar smoke, and playboys sit openly on the side table. A place where you can put a bet in on a football game or complain about…….whatever!  These old school shops are a dieing breed and deserve to be celebrated.  Nothing pisses me off more, then hearing about a guy who goes to a salon to get their hair cut.  Anyway, Lolo’s Barber Shop in Catalina caught my eye last March. The shop as much of a gem as the owner himself. Last week I called Lolo and asked if he would like to be part of the project. Thankfully he agreed. Lolo was born and raised in Catalina and started this shop in 1964. The walls are direct proof of his years in the shop as well as his legendary status in the community. If you take your time to go through all the stuff on the walls you’ll find pictures of OJ Simpson (THE JUICE!!), Pete Rose, Bill Walton, Ernie Banks, and many other icons who have visited the shop. And just like any good barber, he has a story for all of them.

Just so happened that children were the only ones in need of a cut during my time here, but It was a pleasure just to meet Lolo, and an honor to photograph his piece of Catalina history. My hope is to make a new portrait of him every time I go back!

If anyone reading this knows about any great old school barbers shops anywhere in the U.S. please please please send me the info…..