Simsbury Photographer's Iconic Images Of Local Men And Their Beards Remains On Display

For Simsbury photographer Matthew J. Wagner, beards can add distinction, character and story to a portrait.

Shot during late 2012 and early 2013, his stark black and white portraits of Farmington Valley men and their beards have been on display throughout the Farmington Valley. Past locations have included Zinc Salon in Unionville and The Hair Gallery at the Mill in Tariffville. For just a few more days, they are on display at Bill Selig Jewelers at 712 Hopmeadow St. In August, the images and possibly some other work by Wagner, will be at Avon Free Public Library

The collection, which can be seen online, started with 13 portraits but is gradually sinking as people, often the subjects, purchase the prints.

Wagner said he was inspired partially by black and white image of Ernest Hemingway taken by Yousuf Karsh.

“I wanted to do something that was kind of unique,” he said. “It portrays the men as heroes in their own right.” Each image comes with a story — just a few paragraphs about the men and their beards posted under the photos.

Tuesday night, Wagner and his wife Teresa, co-owner of Matthew J. Wagner Fine Photography hosted a reception at Bill Selig jewelry.

Find out more about the photographer at:

http://matthewjwagner.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mjwfinephotography