Although Reno is a growing city and it's much much bigger than it was when I arrived to town 25 years ago (wow can it really be 25 years?!?!) Anyway as "Big" of a city as it can seem it's still got a small town flavor in little hidden spots.  Those spots are getting fewer and harder to find and as of this blog post one less than when the photographs were made.

That's why this post is so special - as I had an opportunity to photograph a gentleman who has been a Barber for 63 years in the same location - Enzo!  It just is mind blowing that a small business owner, a barber, was able to build a business and operate it from the same location for so many years - decades!!  Actually, after meeting Enzo it's not mind blowing at all.  He is a kind man, with his business policies posted in his shop, charges more than a fair price and I could tell that he loved what he did.  He say's he's ready for retirement, but I can't help but think he's going to miss cutting those heads, shaving those faces, and hearing the stories he's heard for so many years.

I opted to photograph him all on film, I didn't even take a digital camera with me, and I can't tell you how refreshing that was to cut the cord!  I chose to photograph him from small format 35mm all the way up to large format 8x10 sheet film.  I shot all of it in black and white, as I thought that it added to the feel of this historic barber shop and event of his retirement.  I couldn't help but almost feel like I was at "Floyd's Barber Shop" in the old Andy Griffith shows!  I was also feeling a bit ashamed that in all the years that I've lived in Reno, and especially this past few where I really don't have much hair left, that I never had an opportunity to sit in his barber chair for a good ol fashioned haircut!

I hope you enjoy the attached photographs of a now retired piece of Reno History.  I'm grateful that I had an opportunity to not only meet Enzo and his wonderful wife Joanie, but also for the privilege of making this series of photographs of him and his shop before the both retired to the history books!

Cheers!