The Gunsmith

Always blows my mind to think about the simple act of talking and where it can lead. A while back I stopped in Laramie, Wyoming to say hi to a barber I’ve known there for a few years. Afterward while walking Mojo around town I came upon a gunsmith shop (not this one) a few blocks off the main street. A gunsmith at work is something I’ve been wanting to photograph, so we popped in and introduced ourselves. That interaction didn’t result in the desired outcome but it was still informational/entertaining. The owner didn’t want to be photographed for a variety of reasons. Some of them valid. The rest were…….irrational??!! The somewhat brief conversation consisted of his opinion on the world today and how “you can’t even go to Denver anymore because everybody is getting shot.” He asked if I had a gun and was upset to hear that I only kept it in my truck. “That’s not good enough. You have to keep it on you! That’s when they get you, when you’re getting out of your truck !”. I’m not disagreeing that the world is a sort of a disaster, but it also seemed like his thoughts were that of a person who might not ever leave their small town. Maybe I’m wrong?! And no disrespect to small towns. They are my favorite. Afterward I asked if there are any other gunsmiths in the area. He replied with very vague information about a guy that possibly works out of his house on a dead end street down near the highway. So I went looking and somehow found the place only recognizable by small stenciled letters “Gun Shop Parking” on the chimney bricks near the front gate. Otherwise the house was totally nondescript and didn’t show any other signs of life. A knock on the door confirmed nobody was home. Not a big deal. It was on my radar for the next trip through Wyoming.

Click HERE to see more from my “At Work” series.

Driving across America

Cross Country Road Trip - America - Photography

There aren’t a lot of positive things things to say about American highways. Whenever possible I try avoid the soulless stretches of poorly maintained pavement that teach you very little about the country and the towns/people that inhabit it. The 15 on the other hand is something special. It’s one very long stretch of highway that’s as fascinating as any “blue highway” (backroad) in the USA. I’ve personally been traveling this road since 2006 during the move from Upstate, NY to San Diego, CA. It blew my mind then and still does today. Once you get north of the clusterfuck that is Los Angeles /Riverside County and into the desert, there’s a lot to love. Images can be made from the highway or, if you want to get more intimate, try ducking off into one of the many small towns along the way.

Last month I was working on a a few stories up in Montana without a ton of time to get there, so The 15 it was, straight up north from southern California. Regardless, I ALWAYS find time in-between destinations for one or many of my ongoing series. This trip found images that will fit nicely into the “America” and “Hotel” series.

Places like Lima, Montana are endlessly fascinating no matter how many small towns I see. As someone who lives in a frustratingly populated place, it’s stimulating to stand in and see the beginning and end of a town only 75 yards long surrounded by nothing but rolling hills. You can’t help but wonder what everyday life is life for the people of that community.

The second set of images were made in St. George, Utah. Also interesting for different reasons. Although much bigger than Lima, it’s still a small town “in the middle of nowhere”. One thing that stands out is the way they build homes there to blend in to the environment. The color palette matches almost seamlessly.

American Road Trip

As has become standard, the miles are piling up this season even with it be an extremely dry winter around the western states. Really unfortunate for the ski industry. I’m sure Vail is doing ok though!!??

Seems repetitive to say that this “last” road trip was great, memorable, productive, etc. etc. etc., but reporting otherwise would be a lie. Time on the road really is a special adventure that should never be taken for granted, nor should it ever be rushed. Grateful not just for the time spent in Montana, but also for the two stories I worked on and will be sharing more of soon. After Montana it was south to Colorado for a hut trip in the Gore Range which was truly unforgettable. The longer I snowboard the less desire and patience I have to ride at a resort. Being in the backcountry is always rewarding, but being in a hut with good friends miles and miles away from everything else is in a whole different category.

Images coming soon.

American Photographs

Photographs of Small Towns in America

A few images from the most recent cross country road trip that go along with my America series. This type of thing wasn’t the main focus of the trip, but I can never help myself . One of these days or years all the images in this series will add up to something that makes sense and it will be a book. Still working through it…

Click here to see more from this series

Road Trip Map

Mojo and I did it again. Another lap around the country filled with good times, foul weather, family, friends, and if all went even remotely well, a solid handful of images that I’m happy with. These trips never stop surprising me and hopefully they never do. Some days on the road you’ve got to scratch and claw to find just one decent frame. There were numerous times I asked myself “Is this America project done? Have I seen all there is to see?” Of course that’s complete nonsense. It was just frustration and exhaustion talking. A person could spend a lifetime traveling this great country and never see all it has to offer. The flip side is those days where you can’t seem to stop shooting. Those are a gift. You find that honey hole, you’re seeing really well, and the frames just start stacking up. That’s the best feeling in the world because you know it’s fleeting. You know it might not happen again for a couple days or 1,000+miles. There are so many factors at play that you can’t possibly pretend to know what’s going to happen out there. That’s the best part though. The not knowing. The hunt. It’s a drug.

Have a lot on the plate right now but will be going through this batch of images soon, so check back to see what I came up with out there.

American Photography

American Photography - Road Trip - Travel

Americana - Wall Art - Photo Prints - Open Road

Taking time to think about a body of work is such and important part of the process as you continue to build it. And as time goes on attention needs to be given to the “holes” that are inevitably lurking in said work. Interiors are one of the many holes that I need to fill. For ten years now I’ve happily traveled around America photographing various aspects of it. And lately, collaboration in the form of outside eyeballs/opinions has been a major focus in order to figure out exactly what is or isn’t working. When we create in a bubble as so many photographers do, it’s easy to get lost on a track that might not be going the right direction. There are so many questions we need to ask ourselves all along the way, which probably won’t get brought up if we don’t receive input from other unbiased people. So, while I never plan on stopping my America series, I’m trying to be much more focused and open about what to shoot and what horses I’ve already beaten to death. Much more than that though, how many other photographers have already done what you’re doing? If the answer is “a lot”, then how can you change your contribution to offer the viewer something different?

Click here to see more from my AMERICA series.

Cowboy Photographs

Cowboy Photography - Prints - American West Wall Art

Western Photos - Cowboy Culture

Had a conversation with a buddy the other day about hunting/fishing which came after a very unproductive outing that certainly wasn’t from a lack of effort. When you put time into either of those sports it can be frustrating to get skunked. Frustrating isn’t a strong enough word actually. My most recent trip was a few weeks ago on the lower Owens River outside of Bishop, CA. Felt like I was doing everything right but results said the opposite. The fish were rising and eating bugs off the top. Every bug that is, besides mine. Kept changing flies, moving locations, water depth, yada yada yada. Not so much as a nibble. Later in the day I ran across a lady about 75 years old who had just pulled in a nice brown trout and quickly mentioned that it was her first time ever fly fishing. Ok, I thought, this place is going to be a Hand Out. Hour and a half later, not a damn thing. So I sat on the tailgate drinking a beer at sunset staring at the pastel sky saying out loud “I fuckin hate fly fishing” to absolutely no one. Which obviously isn’t true, but my ego was damaged and I was tired. And when you’ve been fishing for any amount of time, you realize that’s just how it goes sometimes. Back to that conversation. We talked about how boring it would be if you went out every day and netted 20 monster trout. Or were guaranteed to hit your limit of ducks, deer, elk, whatever it is you’re after. No, that would suck. That is not a sport. Where is the fun in that? There is none.

It’s probably a stretch to make a comparison, but that’s the way I feel about morning light. Later afternoon light for that matter too. It’s so good that you want to hit the pause button on the sun to make it stay in that position, barely peaking over the horizon. Crisp. Golden. Tasty. Then you realize a lot of the appeal is due to it’s fleeting nature. Morning/evening shots wouldn’t be as desirable if you could make them all day. It’s fun to dream though. Out on a ranch, mornings are special. Really special. You’re lucky to get a couple good frames in before that light is gone. And that is one of the many factors that what will keep me going back again and again and again.

Click here to see more Western Photographs

Kreuz Market - Lockhart Texas

Texas BBQ Photography at Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas


Documenting Texas BBQ Culture, Pitmasters, and Historic Smokehouses

If you know BBQ, then you know Kreuz Market. They’ve been slinging world class BBQ since the early 1900’s in Lockhart, Texas. Which, some say is the BBQ capital of the world, and anyone that would argue otherwise is just a moron. In the span of a square mile (give or take) you can hit 3 world class BBQ joints with a handful of others also in the area. Aside from Kreuz, you’ve also got Smitty’s and Black’s. I’d personally vouch for all 3.

Kreuz Market and the Tradition of Texas Barbecue

Kreuz Market dates back to the early 1900s, long before BBQ became a national trend or social media spectacle. The emphasis here has always been on meat, smoke, fire, and consistency — no gimmicks, no unnecessary theatrics.

Photographing this environment means working fast and respectfully. The pits burn hot. The spaces are tight. The people working there have done this thousands of times before — and the rhythm of their work becomes part of the story.

What interests me most isn’t just the food, but the process:
hands lifting heavy cuts of meat, smoke drifting across brick walls, knives resting on worn butcher blocks, the quiet confidence of people who have mastered their craft over decades.

These photographs aim to document Texas BBQ as lived culture, not as a stylized food trend.

Texas BBQ Photography Prints Available

Images from Kreuz Market are available as fine-art photography prints. These prints work especially well in:

  • Kitchens and dining rooms

  • Restaurants and hospitality spaces

  • Offices, studios, and creative workplaces

  • Homes that appreciate Americana, craft, and documentary storytelling

Each print is produced with archival materials and museum-grade standards, with an emphasis on tonal depth, texture, and longevity.

Texas BBQ Photography Licensing & Editorial Use

This Texas BBQ photography archive is available for editorial licensing, commercial use, advertising campaigns, restaurant branding, cookbook publishing, tourism marketing, cultural storytelling projects, etc. If you’re producing work related to Texas food culture, barbecue, hospitality, or American regional identity, feel free to get in touch about licensing or custom image selections.

See My Photographs from Smitty’s Market — Another Texas BBQ Landmark →

CONTACT ROB

Meat Processing Photographs

Meat Processing Plant Photography in Wyoming | Real Food Production Environments

One thing you can always depend on during a road trip is that weather will at some point throw a wrench in your plans. It’s unavoidable. You can either sulk about it or seek out an alternative. Admittedly, I used to get bent about bad weather! It has to be sunny to make any kind of pictures that are worth a damn, I thought! False. When you’re in the mountains it’s always smart to consider snow, but it’s not often that you figure on an October storm big enough to shut down travel! Well, it happened last month when I was scheduled to shoot with a rancher in southern Wyoming on my way from Montana to Colorado. It was a hairy drive from Bozeman down through northern Wyoming and got worse as the night went on. Being October the summer tires were still on my truck which didn’t help matters any. Made it as far as Casper and hit the proverbial wall. Couldn’t keep my eyes open any more so I got a hotel with the plan to wake up at the ass crack in order to arrive at the ranch on time. Only the snow didn’t stop and every which way to Laramie was closed down. Not a single highway or back road to be had. Frustrated but determined not to let it ruin the day I began driving local roads in search of something to photograph. Early on I came upon a local taxidermist shoveling the sidewalk in front of his shop. We chatted for a bit, unfortunately he didn’t have anything going that warranted shooting. No pun intended. When asked for a recommendation he quickly pointed me towards Dan’s Meat Processing about a mile down the road. So I headed directly over there and was warmly greeted by the owner who was more than willing to let me hang out and photograph their operation.

It would have been easy to sit in the hotel waiting out the storm and catch up on some much needed rest, but why? These trips and time on the road are so valuable to me that I don’t ever want to waste an opportunity. Even if that means creating one from nothing. And the images you see here are exactly the kind of thing I would have wanted to shoot anyway! Showing the viewer a glimpse into a world they might not otherwise be familiar with or ever have access to. Being a part of cultures like these never gets old and makes me appreciate the fact that you don’t have to travel to some exotic country in order to experience something different. You just have to look a little harder. I’ve personally never been on an elk hunt. Would like to change that, but my knowledge of them from talking to people in different parts of the country is that you need to dedicate a lot of time to the hunt. Something in the neighborhood of a week seems to be standard in most places. On this morning a guy backed his truck up to the loading door with a massive elk in the bed. I asked him how long he was out before shooting it. “Oooohhh, about 30 minutes”, he said.

Part of a Larger Body of Work Photographing People at Work

This series is part of a long-term project documenting people at work across America—inside environments most people never see. From meat processing facilities in Wyoming to ranches, machine shops, and industrial job sites, the focus is always the same: real people, real conditions, and the tools they rely on every day.

For brands producing workwear, safety equipment, or industrial products, this kind of environment isn’t staged—it’s where your gear is actually used.

View the full Workwear & Industrial Photography Portfolio

Get in touch to discuss a shoot in a real working environment

Montana Photography

Montana Photo Gallery

Road Trip Photography - America - Prints

Where is the line between selfishness and responsibility? As a photographer that’s had the great fortune to travel more than most I’ve always felt a responsibility to share my experiences (good and bad) in hopes that it might motivate other people to get outside their comfort zone or travel to places they’ve never been. Social media has changed my stance on that though. Instagram specifically, which I consider to be the greatest and worst thing ever invented. People will always be people, but it’s possible that Instagram has turned a lot of us into the worst version of ourselves, always trying to one up or outdo. Always trying to paint that perfect picture of a dream life.

During my travels it’s become very obvious that most humans have no interest in actually being in or enjoying a place they visit. All that matters is whether you can show others that you’re in a place better than they are. Snap a selfie and continue on. Fuck off. What kind of life is that?

A few weeks ago I had a photoshoot for a client in San Francisco then drove (with Mojo) to Spokane, Washington where I picked up Emily at the airport. Actually, that’s not really true. Her flight was delayed again, and again, and again. So I went fly fishing then relaxed at our Airbnb in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. She wound up taking a quick Uber from the airport at about 1am because it was just easier for all of us. The next couple days were great. Afterward we were sad to leave, but only for a minute because the rest of the trip put us in a cabin (featured below) in northern Montana near Glacier National Park. The fall colors were out and we had nothing to complain about. Showing all of the amazing things I (we) do along the way is not my strong point. Most of that is because I’d rather be present than on my phone. Nothing is worse than being in a world class location and looking around to see 95% of the humans around you with their neck hanging down in the blue light. The other part is that I don’t like what Instagram can do to a place. I’m not The Rock. Meaning I don’t have the ability to reach 227 million people with every post. Wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of power either, but imagine what happens to a place that is exploited by the wrong person? A quiet mountain town all of a sudden becomes the next Instagram hot spot where thousands of assholes are running around with selfie sticks. Thus ruining the entire culture and reason locals want to live there.

So do you live selfishly or become part of the problem? It’s important to me to share what I do for the right reasons, but there is also that other side. Many a good backcountry ski run have been ruined because it became taggable (is that a word) on social media. The same goes for thousands of low key locations all across the world. Montana as a state certainly doesn’t need any help with sales as “desirable”. It would be daunting to think how many people have moved there over the last 5-10 years and that number probably won’t slow down any time soon. I love Montana. Like a lot. Maybe more than anywhere in the US. For those reasons I hesitate to talk about it. In fear that the small towns will wind up feeling like Los Angeles. Is that selfish?

This is the cabin we stayed at in Montana. It was built in 1910 and had it’s own barn for chopping wood. Heaven. Love the muted colors of the dead grass in front of the frame. 2

San Francisco Photography

No need to go on and on about my obsession with San Francisco as it’s been well noted here in the past. However, it will be an ongoing project with updates, so I decided to give this thing it’s own gallery here on the site. Shooting has been fun and beyond that I started working with a professional photo editor to whittle down the edit into something that feels cohesive. In the past one of the bigger mistakes I’ve made among a lot of others, is waiting too long to get eye balls on a series to hear about what if anything is making sense. No more. For this and every other series I’ll be gaining outside/unbiased feedback from a professional. The collaboration is really fun as well as educational.

Click HERE to see the edited gallery of my San Francisco Street Photography

American Road Trip

So grateful for this time on the road especially when it can incorporate the trifecta of shooting for a client, shooting for myself, and vacation time with Emily and Mojo. There really is nothing better. Our main destinations were Idaho/Montana and what a special time of year to be up there. The color and weather make you appreciate the seasons so much as people who live in southern California where we don’t get those drastic changes. Also made me realize how much I need to plan for this every year to shoot some fly fishing in locations surrounded by fall foliage. Maybe it’s just getting older (aka wiser), but that fall beauty was lost on me while going to school in Vermont where people would visit from all over the world. The “leaf peepers”. It makes a lot more sense once you start to pull your head out of your own ass. Check back soon for images from this trip.

Los Angeles Streetball Culture - Venice Beach

Venice Beach Basketball Courts & the Venice Basketball League

There are places where basketball feels bigger than the game itself, and Venice Beach Basketball Courts is one of them. The courts sit just steps from the Pacific, surrounded by noise, movement, and a constant flow of people, but once a game starts, everything narrows in. The Venice Basketball League has been played here for decades, drawing a mix of locals, pros, and travelers into something that feels equal parts competition and performance.

Where Streetball Becomes a Stage

There’s a rabid energy to these courts that you don’t find anywhere else. Games unfold with an audience just feet away—tourists, regulars, salty characters, players waiting for the next run—all watching closely. Every possession matters, but so does how it looks. Style, confidence, and presence carry as much weight as the score. Make no mistake, ball in Venice is a show!

The setting adds to it. Ocean air moves through the courts, music drifts in from the boardwalk, and the light changes quickly as the sun drops behind the horizon. It’s not just a place to play—it’s a place to be seen.

The Venice Basketball League

The Venice Basketball League has built a reputation as one of the most competitive outdoor leagues in the country. Games are physical, fast, and often unpredictable. You’ll see former college players, overseas pros, and local legends sharing the same court.

What makes it different isn’t just the level of play—it’s the environment. There’s no separation between players and spectators. The energy sits right on top of the game, and you feel it in every possession.

Basketball as a Universal Language

Over the years, I’ve photographed basketball in small towns, backyards, alleys, and places most people would never think to look. What stands out in Venice is how all of that comes together in one place.

People from all over the world pass through these courts, but the game stays the same. No introductions needed. You step on the court, and you understand the rules immediately. It’s one of the clearest examples of how basketball connects people across completely different backgrounds.

More Venice Beach Basketball Photography

Over the years I’ve linked up with Nick Ansom on a number of fun projects, including his “Survival Hoops” - a collection of hoops made from junk then hung in the alleyways of Venice.

View the hidden alley basketball hoops of Venice

Part of a Larger Project: American Backcourts

These photographs are part of a long-term body of work documenting basketball hoops and courts across the country. While much of that work focuses on quiet, overlooked places—barns, driveways, rural towns—Venice Beach sits at the opposite end of that spectrum.

It’s loud. It’s visible. It’s constantly moving.

But it’s the same game.

That contrast is what ties it all together. Whether it’s a handmade hoop in a small town or a packed court on the California coast, the feeling is consistent. The game shows up everywhere.

→ View the full collection of basketball culture photography
→ Inquire about editorial and commercial image licensing

If you’re interested in seeing how this fits into the broader series, you can view the full project here:

→ American Backcourts

Road Trip Photography

California Highway 395

Goes without saying that road trips are one of my favorite things to do on the planet. It’s not often though, that I’m in the passenger seat and able to make images during the ride. Such was the case a few weeks ago on a trip to Bishop/Mammoth for some fly fishing (also a favorite).

There’s a stupid but true thing that people love to say in the mountains - “if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes”. Wish they had to dish out a dollar every time they said it. We encountered some typical mountain weather during out couple days there. Really hot during the day, then cold and stormy as hell at night. Not ideal when camping, but great for images. Love the tones in a lot of these shots.

Click here to see some of my ADVENTURE images.

Kings Club Barbershop - Dana Point, California

Best Barbershop in Dana Point, California

Americana - Barbershop Photography

It’s been so long since I sat down with the guys at Kings Club Barbershop to record this thing that I don’t really remember much of what we talked about. I do recall that it was a great time, but it was also completely unfiltered, so you might wanna skip it if you’re offended easily. Either way, they are a great group of guys (and barbers) that you should hit up if you’re in the Dana Point area and need a cut. Beautiful shop too. I’ve known them since way back when I first started shooting for this project in 2012-ish and they’ve been in both books. The shop has been through a lot since then, including a fire that completely destroyed the place, so it was cool to catch up with them to talk about everything that has happened since we first met.

Click here to check out “Barbershops of America”

Click here to check out PRINTS from the book.

The Kings Club Barbershop
Download

Smitty's Market - Lockhart, Texas

Legendary Texas BBQ at Smitty’s Market

If you love Texas barbecue long enough, you eventually find yourself in Lockhart. The state legislature crowned it the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” and more recently Smithsonian singled out this little town, and its heavy-hitters like Smitty’s Market, Kreuz, and Black’s, as one of the best small towns in America to visit.

Smitty’s is the one I kept coming back to with my camera. Not because it’s shiny or modern, but because it feels like barbecue preserved in amber — smoke-stained, stubborn, and honest.

Open fire burning beneath the brick pits at Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, Texas, with a pitmaster working in the smoky room beyond.

Fire in the foreground, work in the distance — the heat, smoke, and rhythm that define a day inside Smitty’s Market.

A Barbecue Story That Starts in 1948

The story of Smitty’s starts long before there was a sign on the door that said “Smitty’s Market.” In 1948, a butcher named Edgar “Smitty” Schmidt bought Kreuz Market, the old-school meat market and barbecue joint in downtown Lockhart.

For decades, that brick building on South Commerce was the beating heart of Lockhart barbecue. When the family eventually split in 1999, Smitty’s daughter, Nina Schmidt Sells, kept the original downtown building and reopened it as Smitty’s Market, keeping the fires, and the history, right where they’d always been.

That’s what you feel when you walk in: not just a restaurant, but a place that’s been seasoned by generations of smoke, grease, and conversations over butcher paper.

Large stacks of split oak firewood behind Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, Texas, used to fuel the legendary barbecue pits.

Stacks of oak firewood behind Smitty’s Market — the fuel that keeps the old brick pits alive every day.

Walking the Long, Smoky Hallway

If you’ve been, you know the approach. You step in off the Lockhart square and into that long, dark hallway. The air is thick and warm, the floors worn smooth by decades of boot traffic, and the smoke hangs low like a permanent weather system.

Follow your nose and the temperature climbs. Then the pits reveal themselves — massive brick beasts with open fires glowing on the floor, logs stacked and burning right beside the line. It’s dramatic and a little wild, and it’s part of why Smitty’s leaves such a mark on people.

In a world of spotless stainless-steel kitchens and carefully hidden cook lines, Smitty’s shows you everything: the fire, the coals, the meat, the sweat. You feel like you’re walking through the engine room of Texas barbecue.

Rows of sausage links smoking inside one of Smitty’s Market’s historic brick pits.

Fresh links smoking low and slow inside one of Smitty’s historic pits.

What’s on the Butcher Paper

Smitty’s lives firmly in the Central Texas tradition: meat first, everything else second. No plates, no fuss. Your order arrives on butcher paper with maybe a stack of white bread, pickles, and onions if you’re doing it right.

On any given day you’ll see brisket, prime rib, pork chops, ribs, smoked turkey, and, of course, those famous sausage links hitting the paper. The sausage, especially, has built a devoted following — peppery, smoky, with that satisfying snap when you bite into it.

Smitty’s cooking style is so emblematic of “old school” Central Texas barbecue that it’s been featured nationally — including on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise as a go-to spot for slow-smoked brisket and signature sausage.

Like any legendary joint, opinions about the brisket can spark friendly arguments that last longer than the meal. Some folks swear it’s among the best in the state; others come mainly for the sausage and the atmosphere. But that’s barbecue — subjective, seasonal, and human.

Smoke-blackened ceiling and brick walls above the pits at Smitty’s Market, with pitmasters tending brisket below.

The smokehouse above and below — decades of soot overhead and pitmen working the briskets beneath it.

Photographing a Living Time Capsule

Places like Smitty’s are why I haul cameras and lenses across Texas. The moment you step inside, you’re standing in a living time capsule:

  • The orange glow of the open fires against the dark pit room

  • Smoke curling through shafts of window light

  • Long tables packed with families, road-trippers, and locals in feed-store caps

  • Hands passing butcher paper, breaking bread, and building sandwiches in that very Texas way

My photographs from Smitty’s focus less on the close-up food porn and more on the world around it — the way the smoke stains the ceiling, the rhythm of people sliding through that hallway, the quiet concentration of the pitmen tending the fires. It’s the intersection of architecture, ritual, and appetite that makes this place feel like Texas in one room.

For me, Smitty’s isn’t just a stop on a barbecue tour; it’s part of a larger story about American spaces that refuse to modernize just because trends say they should. The pits, the hallway, the dining room — everything still carries the weight of 1948 and all the years since.

Pitmaster standing beside an open fire at Smitty’s Market, holding a long carving knife.

The fire that starts it all — a pitman standing ready beside the flames that shape every bite.

For Collectors, Editors, and Brands

If you’re a barbecue fan, I hope these photographs feel like stepping back into that smoky hallway — you can almost smell the oak and feel the heat on your face.

If you’re a collector, these Smitty’s Market images are available as fine art prints. They’re meant to hang in homes, restaurants, and offices as quiet reminders of what “real” Texas barbecue looks like when you strip away the marketing and leave only fire, brick, and tradition.

For editors, publishers, and brands working on stories about Texas, Lockhart, or the culture around barbecue, the images are also available for licensing — from wide environmental scenes that set the mood to tighter, more graphic frames from the pit room and dining area. They work equally well for travel features, restaurant coverage, or campaigns that want an authentic Central Texas feel rather than a staged set.

Pitmaster tending the sausage pits at Smitty’s Market, surrounded by stacks of oak wood.

A Smitty’s pitman tending the sausage pits, surrounded by the oak that feeds the fires.

Why Smitty’s Still Matters

Lockhart’s barbecue landscape has changed over the years, but Smitty’s holds its ground as one of the core stops on what people call the Lockhart BBQ Trail — a lineup that includes Kreuz Market, Black’s BBQ, and other local institutions that keep the town worthy of its “Barbecue Capital” title.

Smitty’s isn’t trying to reinvent anything. The fires still burn in the old building on the square, the pits are still right there in your face, and the meat still hits butcher paper just like it has for generations.

That’s why I keep pointing my camera at it. In a state that’s constantly chasing the next big thing, Smitty’s Market is content to do what it’s always done: smoke meat, feed people, and let the walls slowly absorb another layer of history — one plate at a time.

If you’ve stood in that hallway, I hope the photographs bring you right back. And if you haven’t made it to Lockhart yet, consider this your nudge to go stand in the smoke for yourself.

Smoked ribs cooking inside one of Smitty’s Market’s open brick pits, surrounded by rising smoke.

Ribs smoking over the open brick pits — heat, oak, and patience doing their work.

Old preparation room inside Smitty’s Market with pots, scales, and smoke-stained walls.

The back room at Smitty’s — decades of tools, textures, and smoke layered into the walls.

If these photographs made you smell the smoke, take one home.
Prints and licensing inquiries are welcome — get in touch and I’ll help you find the right piece for your space or project.

Contact Rob
Close-up of briskets sizzling on the pit at Smitty’s Market, showing bark, color, and smoke.

Briskets deep in the cook — bark forming, fat rendering, smoke wrapping around every surface.

Pitmaster adjusting hanging sausage links inside the smokehouse at Smitty’s Market in Lockhart.

Checking the links inside the smokehouse — one of the daily rituals behind Smitty’s iconic flavor.

Part of a larger project

For years now I’ve been obsessed not only with BBQ, but photographing passionate people at work. So these photographs of Smitty’s are part of a larger body of work, documenting BBQ pitmasters, craftsmen, artists, etc.

View more Texas BBQ Photography

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The Proper Barbershop - Los Angeles, California

Best Barbershop in Los Angeles, California

The Proper Barbershop - Photography

The Proper Barbershop is a special place that is right at home in Hollywood. If you want a show as well as a great cut, then The Proper is the place for you. The first time I visited was back in 2013-ish and there was someone sleeping one off in the backroom. From the time I stepped foot inside, the show was just naturally going on. The guys in there know how to have a good time all while getting shit done. The owner Vinnie is a good dude and a classic case of someone you shouldn’t judge just based on his appearance. Being the owner of The Proper and knowing it’s reputation, it would be easy to think that he’s just another Southern California bro with face tattoos. He’s the exact opposite of that though. And one thing I’ve been saying for years now, is that they are just tattoos, a vehicle for creativity and self expression. Vinnie is a really solid guy who spreads a lot of positivity and has a lot of support for his fellow barbers all across the industry.

Follow the shop on IG @theproperbarbershop and Vinnie @theedgebarber

Click here to read the last Q&A with Pig Barber.

Click here to check out Barbershops of America.

“I think the industry has lost sight that we all cut hair and we all should support each other as it costs us nothing to support one another!”

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1) Where are you from and what did you do before barbering? 

I am from Los Angeles, CA and before barbering I was in high school and I actually was kickboxing and teaching kickboxing! But I had a friend who knew during high school that he wanted to do hair so when I realized that I was never going to have a life fighting I tried my hand at hair and absolutely fell in love with it!

2) Talk about owning a shop in Hollywood from a barber's perspective as well as an owner's perspective. 

Well owning a shop in Hollywood is more than what I originally set out for, my hope for the shop was to be a cool little neighborhood spot and this shop grew a bit of a kind of its own, not to say that is a bad thing at all but this shop became more of its own personality, the antics the environment and the bullshit garnered it quite the reputation! From the barbers perspective this shop is so rad, always busy in a transient town with constant walk-ins and never ending material for discussion, it is a dream. From the owners perspective I would echo a ton of that but the real difference is learning how to keep this place relevant while remaining true to the roots of The Proper and that has been the real challenge! 

Do you find that people come in expecting a show or a certain environment? If so, how do you deal with that?

  Over the years I have learned so so much and one thing I have learned is that the environment is just as important as the haircut itself! So yes, at this point in the shops life I do feel that people have come to expect the show that is The Proper Barbershop, and we happily oblige that expectation! Don’t get me wrong we love to sling our brand of BS and entertain but we also make sure we give a quality service!

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3) You also own a shop in Orange County. What lead you to open another shop there and what have you done to grow the business? 

My Orange County shop came out of the need for myself to not drive to and from Hollywood every day from the OC as that is where my family and I live, so in order to preserve some tiny bit of sanity I had to open a shop less than 60 miles away from me! To grow the Orange County shop it required having to penetrate the residential neighborhoods surrounding the center that my shop is located. We drove around with home printed fliers and stuffed mail boxes and most recently have run an add in the money mailer at the recommendation of my brother Cory Danger of the locally famous Golden Crown Barbershop! So that has been fantastic for the shop as well! I have found more of the rad local feeling I wanted in the OC shop as opposed to the larger than life persona of the Hollywood shop!

4) Who/what in the barber industry is inspiring to you? Who/what outside of the industry gives you inspiration? 

Inside the barber industry I draw a ton of inspiration from the team I am on over at Babyliss. I am surrounded by so many really talented barbers that all do something so different from my traditional style of cutting so right now it is learning to meld the new urban style I am learning with my tried and trusted traditional skill set and that has been such a breath of fresh air for me and my career! Outside of the industry I am inspired by culture, tattoos, art, design, currently I am super passionate about graffiti again and that is so cool to try to use some linear intersecting lines and bring that to my creative side of hair! 

Are you saying that you look at graffiti and try to use those designs in haircuts? How has that progressed for you? Do customers come to you for that type of thing now?  

I do draw some liniar inspiration from the cut lines in graffiti as well as all types of art. I try to evolve my style as a barber and as a haircutter every day. I never want to become complacent in this craft. As far as customers coming to me for designs I do have a pocket of those customers who allow me to express my artistic roots and freedom!

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5) Each time I've been in your shop, there is an exceptional level of comedy going on. Talk about that. 

Well the Hollywood shop as mentioned has become a place not just to get a haircut but now to watch and participate in the show! Clients are a part of our jokes and take things from inside the shop weather it be jokes or stories or jargon and apply them to their lives outside the shop and bring us some really epic stories that lead to some incredible real world comedy! Most recently we have a doctor who is a shop regular and his last visit he helped us diagnose that one of our barbers may have contracted an STI and once we realized what it was we just laughed it off and said “oh rad so it’s basically the common cold for the penis!” Well our client found this to be so rad that he vowed he would break the news to someone in the same fashion and this haircut. He came back and told us the story of the frat kid who came to him for the same STI and how our client was so pumped to let this kid know “don’t stress man it is just the common cold for the penis” and he had our whole shop rolling with laughter!

6) You are straight edge. What led to that decision/lifestyle? 

Ehhh that’s a whole ridiculous story but let’s just say that given my family history I knew if I ever started drinking I would be really good at it so I have always been way to scared to even try it! But being straight edge works for me so I intend to stay this way!

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7) What do you think about where barbering is today? 

Loaded question, I think barbering is in an interesting transition where it is less about the work you do and more about the way you look and how you present yourself while not working as if that translates to how good you cut hair? I think the industry has lost sight that we all cut hair and we all should support each other as it costs us nothing to support one another! If we all could band together in positivity we could then and only then start to effect real change! So I hope we can make that the new future together!

8) What do you do outside of the shop? 

Well I play ice hockey as well as have season tickets to the Anaheim Ducks and I raise my beautiful baby girl! I also love to ride my motorcycle. And may or may not be a part time plus sized model... no big deal!

I'm sorry, did you say that you're a plus size model? 

 I am trying out this new thing called..... sarcasm. I am not to sure about it but it sure is fun!

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9) Can you describe the psychology of running and keeping a barbershop moving from day to day. In other words, what is that thing that's happening when you notice everything is just clicking? 

I am not to sure how to answer this one because it changes from day to day. I just try to keep my shops busy because if we are all making money it tends to lead to good moods and a better working environment! 

10) Random thoughts/ramblings/advice on what you do....

I love this industry. It is all I have ever known. I have never had a real job so to see what we are now and how the internet has had such a profound effect on us all I can only hope that we can soon come together and determine a nation wide rate of service. If we all choose, we can force each other to better ourselves by holding ourselves to higher standards we can drop the hate and just be in this together! I love to support barbering. I wear only shop shirts and never my own! I take pride in putting on a pin of a barber or a hat or shirt as I am proud of my industry. It doesn’t hurt us or devalue ourselves to say that someone else is an amazing barber! It just boosts that we are all in this together. I want to do nothing but cut with my friends and constantly put out the best work of my life every day! Through positivity and friendship we can all push ourselves and each other to be the best and it doesn’t cost us anything to support one another! 

Anything else you want to get off your chest? 

Nope!

Eagle & Pig Barbershop

Best Barbershop in Costa Mesa, CA

Eagle&Pig Barbershop - Photography

Eagle&Pig Barbershop is a gem of gems. Have loved this place since the first day I walked in. And like most shops worth their weight, Pig is the organic creation of it’s owner Dane Hesse. Spend 30 seconds here and you’ll realize there is as much going on in his head as there is in the shop. That should be read and taken as a compliment. Dane is a complex dude with plenty of smarts to go around. I have endless appreciation for anyone who was “supposed to be” one thing, but decided that one thing wasn’t for him or her. And then sets out on their own path without any fear of the repercussions or opinions of others. That’s exactly what Dane did, and since then he has created something truly unique. A place that he, his customers, and friends love to be. What more can you want from a barbershop?

Follow the shop on IG @pigbarber.

Click here to read the last Q&A with Josh from Lucky’s Barbershop.

Click here to check out the book.


“…..my “school” believes that being supportive is much more beneficial than being a dick.”

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1) Tell me about where you're from, what you did before you were a barber, and what led to the decision of going to barber school.

I am Southern California born and raised. I grew up in North County San Diego surfing, skateboarding, riding BMX and playing sports. When I graduated from high school I ended up attending Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Ca. Orange County was a really cool place to live then. After I graduated from college I was able to find work helping grow a kettlekorn business with a buddy of mine and work for an MMA publication writing and selling advertisements. My long term goal was to attend law school at some point, but I wasn't really dedicated to the idea nor had I worked hard enough to get into law school easily. That being said, I was impressed upon by a local barber, Mark Miller, that barber school and the subsequent profession were the best decisions he made. So not wanting to pursue a career in law lead me to become a barber instead.

Are you not a fan of living in Orange County now?

You know what’s funny about this question, is that until recently the answer would have always been "I love Orange County." And dont get me wrong, its still wonderful to me, but it has change a decent amount from the secretive, artistic, and influential coastal oasis it once was. There is so much greed and excess here now. Houses and cool communities have all given themselves away to profiteering over culture. There is a lot of gentrification that doesnt even really include the middle class families that live here. Everyone is being priced out. Luckily, there are still so many good things about the OC that make it worth staying here. Every once and awhile SD or Ventura calls my name or pulls on the heart strings. In the end though, I just know that my success really does come from being influenced by Costa Mesa and its history of surf, skate, music, art, etc. My shop wouldnt be what it is or as successful without the love the county has given to it over the years.

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2) How have your decisions as a shop owner changed over the years? What do you contribute a lot of your success to?

Honestly, and this word will answer both questions...consistency. As a shop owner my decisions haven't changed much. I started out in the shop solo. Then I hired Justin in 2015 and Richie in 2017. Even with bringing them on the consistency with which the shop is ran stayed the same. Customers make appointments the same way. The standards for the services are high. The toilet gets cleaned. The towels folded. Etc.

My success comes from busting my ass and being in the shop when its advertised that i'm in the shop. I make sure to plan days off well in advance on the scheduling software so that customers can adjust their lives to my absence. I've probably only missed a dozen days in 7 full years from being sick. And, back to the word consistency, my goal with each haircut is to make it, consistently, as close to each individual’s expectations or needs. Show up when you say you are going to be there, don't cancel on people, and do good haircuts. Easy recipe.

3) You have a very unique shop. How has it developed over the years? Why does it look the way it does?  What bothers you about it?

Thank you. It's a growing amoeba. I've actually seen some old photos of the shop recently and it was amazing to see it with nothing on the walls. I grew up in a construction/hard work/do it yourself household so its development hinges on that mentality greatly. Most of the projects in the shop I've done myself or with the help of close friends and family.

My shop takes influence from a few exact experiences in my life. I love stickers. They decorate things so well, abstractly. I used to cover things in them as a kid, but with order, not complete randomness. Another direct influence was Mark Millers shop in Costa Mesa. His style was so cool. Old posters from punk shows lined his walls along with other awesome memorabilia to look at. Surf and Skate culture across the decades are all huge influences as well. They each have their own unique styles that I really connect with.

I'm usually bothered with how much work it is to clean the shop and what a massive pain in the ass it is to change things up. I like to move things around from time to time so that when people shoot photos in the shop they get different visuals. So much work.

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How did the name Eagle & Pig come to be?

Originally, when I got the space for the shop I had a business partner named Sean. His plan was to use his knack for finding old furniture and selling it out of the shop. We were going to furnish the shop with his findings, but everything was going to be for sale. We sort of just landed on the name through word games. Eagle comes from America, simple enough. Pig comes from a few places...1960s surfboard design, men can be pigs, sailors good luck charm, Reagan has this quote "I am glad they call me a P.I.G it stands for Pride, Integrity, Guts." Sean and his wife decided that three kids were more important than me though, hahaha...so his stint in the shop selling stuff never really happened. 2020 will be 10 years in the shop.

4) How do you feel about the younger generation of barbers/celebrity barbers/instagram barbers?

I'm not necessarily a fan of them. I think that their perspective on the profession is massively skewed by becoming cool or sponsored. That's all bullshit. Its cool, and don't get me wrong, I am beyond grateful for the awesome adventures being “sponsored” has given me, but at the end of the day the barbers “sphere of influence” is wherever he or she consistently shows up, services their customers, and develops a book of business. Customer loyalty has always been a major contributing factor to a barber’s success and vice versa. Its a 2 way street relationship. Wasting time hoping that your social media pops off disallows you the opportunity to create genuine long lasting relationships with patrons who will help pay your bills for years, not just for the short period of time that “insta cool” exists. If you aren't behind your chair for long periods of time you can't expect to have customers sitting there waiting for you to come back. They dont give a shit about how cool you are at the end of the day...they just need a damn haircut.

5) One of the great things about your "school" of barbers is the support you all give each other. That doesn't happen in a lot of professions. Can you talk about that?

There are barbers who operate from a train of thought based on that consistency i've already mentioned. You show up and cut, have barbers that do the same, and you keep your patrons happy. Realistically, beef in the barbering industry is usually petty bullshit that involves short sighted and simple minded people. Supporting people should be easy. We all work in 10ft squares most of the day..not anywhere else. Some of us go out of our way to send customers, when they move away, to shops that will service them similarly or have a good reputation of quality. Having an ego in a blue collar industry like ours is just ignorant. There are enough customers to go around and my “school” believes that being supportive is much more beneficial than being a dick.

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6) Talk about the culture of your shop specifically.

My shop is an enigma, I think. It grew out of my need to have structure and believing that our customers could conform to that idea. We are a pretty no holds bar barbershop. I've got a degree in history/political science and I read a lot. I will allow the entire spectrum of conversation to happen in the shop. I make sure that people understand the concept of respect in dialogue. Not many people, let alone barbers, care enough to be educated on subjects varying from socio economic conditions, beer company politics, fuck trump, fuck hillary, gang books, girl pop music...you see where i'm going with this. I'll say, clearly, I think that barbers tend to short change their ability to be intelligent. Some “smart” ones come across as absolute fucking morons. Some “dumb” ones suppress their smarts to be cool. That being said, my shop is a haven for everyone. Everyone is both safe and vulnerable. We like to enjoy our lives because barbering is supposed to be a fun, community focused profession.We also want our customers to grow, personally, by our influence. And, get laid because of our haircuts.

Maybe you're the enigma? You were supposed to go to Law School, but didn't and instead became a barber/shop owner that is very educated and continues to read a lot, can build things with your hands, and also loves to chug beer. How does that all add up? 

Math was definitely not a strong subject for me in school, hahaha. I knew turning by back on the lawyer track in life was going to provide me with a new set of challenges. Some I knew for sure, others I had to take with stride. I don’t come from money. I DO come from a household that always taught ingenuity and hard work WILL get you by. My parents both fulfilled their specific rolls in my life and honestly most of the lessons I learned were the same, just in different circumstances. Sacrifice, courtesy, honesty, diligence, and other strong words came to me through their examples. My dad worked on the cars, was a welder, managed ranches, built homes, owned a construction company. My mom was a librarian, beach shuttle driver, cooked, helped my dad in every way she could, forced me to mount bugs and cross stitch instead of take ADD meds. I was given the responsibility at a young age to take care of portions of my life, simple things that I could handle for the age that I was. I learn visually. So watching my parents do a plethora of tasks throughout my lifetime I was able to learn a lot of little skills. The skills and the way I learned actually translated over to barbering really well. In barber school I was able to watch and learn, know when and what questions to ask, etc. Its funny how the things you might encounter or endure as a child prepare you for your future. If you decide to fine tune some of those skills into productive adulting you might just end up good at something.

As for the beers. I love beer and all the rest of the booze in this world. Im fortunate enough to not have any sort of dependency on alcohol though, that I am grateful for. As barbers we are always being exposed to cool new things. So many of my customers work for different companies in the booze world and they love sharing their knowledge and perks. Ive been fortunate enough to drink all sorts of amazing top shelf liquors. At the end of the day though, I will drink anything under the sun. You have to know how to handle yourself if you are gunna drink with me. Nobody likes a sloppy drunk. Ive been sloppy, maybe, a half dozen times since I became of legal drinking age. It just such a calming feeling to sit down at the bar top and throw a few back. Its also amazing to do keg stands or order rounds of shots or slug it down straight from the whiskey bottle.

Moral or this question: Balance is your absolute best friend.

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3 books you would recommend everyone read? 

Im gunna break these down into genres with some suggestions

1.Gang Related Autobiographies or Biographies: A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, Monster by Sanyika Shakur, Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead by Frank Meeink, Blood in Blood Out by John Lee Brook

2.Post Modern/Modern Fiction: Anthology of Franz Kafka, Most novels by Chuck Palahniuk, House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski 

3.Philosophy: The Republic by Plato, The Will to Power by Friedrich Nietzsche, Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Candide by Voltaire, A Modest Proposal and Paradise Lost by Jonathan Swift

4....If you plan to read and convey the "news" to people try to read the same topic across several sources and maybe cross reference the "factual" information provided. You will actually sound and BE smarter for it. 

7) Anything that bothers you on a daily basis?

Bad customers. Cocky customers. “No Call/No Shows.” I despise people who mess with the schedule. Its disrespectful to our other customers. We try to stay on schedule to our best ability, but sometimes people mess that up for us and the customers following after them. I don’t mind product in peoples hair. I can afford to buy new clippers or blades a few times a year. But what I hate is when they talk shit about weird parts of their last cut or ask for MORE product when they already have a TON in their hair. Its your dumbass fault you ALWAYS come in with product in your hair. And, you DO NOT need more product.

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8) At the end of a week, what is it you are most proud about/what gives you the most satisfaction?

Honestly...that every day/week that I show up consistently, so do my customers. My schedule is fully booked every day that I work. I cut on the 30min. Im not doing hour cuts and wasting my time filming or taking studio photos. Im proud to bust my ass for my customers. They know that I will be there, give them an above par cut, and be everything they need from me. Barber. Counselor. Friend. etc...

9) Advice for someone trying do what you do?

You cant be me, or anyone else. You have to be yourself. Barbering is an artform. It requires individuality. You have to want to be selfless. Be covered in tiny little pieces of other peoples hair day in and day out. If you want to be like me you have to provide quality service, with speed and efficiency, while maintaining a high level of educated conversation. You have to show up to work and not miss days or take days off without replacing those days. If you are getting busy or already busy its making sure that your customers have the opportunity to get their cut which helps your pocket book to remain full and their mops chopped.

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11) Random thoughts about what you do.....

Being a good barber is so much more selfless than the social media era has made it. I refer to it as the 50/50 scale. When we are in the shop we are 100% barbers. 50% technical barber. 50% personable barber. Now some of us are always going to be more technical than personable, and vice versa. The goal should be to strive for a 50/50 standard...that's what makes the most complete, well rounded barber. Somedays, you might not want to put out the effort to be personable so you can slide your technical game to 60% for the day. Or 70% if you are really grumpy. Other times you might get caught up in a good mood or vibe in the shop that takes your timing off, thought process off, steps off, messes with the game and your scale might slide to 70% personable...some of you out there that already operate at 70% personable might slide to 100% too often and thats why you lose customers to the quiet guy in the shop that puts out white hot technical haircut heat every cut. That dudes customers might be bored as shit, but they look like $1M everytime they leave the shop. Random enough Rob?

Biggest thing you've learned about yourself since passing on Law School and opening up your own shop? 

That I’m not "wasting my potential." That was a big issue for some people around me when I made the leap from possible future lawyer to barber. The idea that I would "waste” my intellect on a blue collar profession. If anything, my blue collar job choice has given me the opportunity to continue to learn, grow and be influential as human being, friend, husband, barber.

What do you get into out side the shop?

Hopefully not legal trouble. I enjoy spending time with my wife and friends. I really like being in the sun, not doing much, by a pool, with a cocktail. I surf when I can, ride my harley, work on the endless project that my truck has become. Try to relax. I am really good at stressing myself out and over working myself into shut down mode. Im trying to get better at that. I just want to find the balance between contentment and drive for more. Im gettting there slowly but surely. 

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Rooks Barbershop - Portland, Oregon

Best barbershop in Portland, Oregon

Rook’s Barbershop - Photography

I’ve lost track of what number Q&A this is, but that’s probably irrelevant. This go round is with Justin King of Rooks Barbershop in Portland, Oregon. We met a bit of over a year ago when I made these images. The thing that stands out to me about Justin is that he’s every bit a business man as he is a barber. Maybe even more so a business man, which isn’t common to see in the barbershop world. He’s got a lot of irons in a lot of fires. Good dude and I appreciate his willingness to say what he feels regardless of the outcome.

Follow him on Instagram @hellandgrace and the shops @rooksbarbershop

Click here to check out the last Q&A with Brent Ferris from Good Times Barbershop

Click here to check out the book


“In the Army, I’d bring dudes into the barracks and fade them out for a few bucks here and there”


1) Where are you from and what did you do before barbering? 

I was born in NY and grew up in Miami. Before becoming a barber, I was a paratrooper in the US Army. 

Did any of your experience as a paratrooper carry over into the barber world? Where did you get your business sense from?  

I think my military experience definitely gave me a good foundation to work off of. It imbued in me a very strong work ethic; an ability to just “get it done”, no matter what. Pair that with an aggressive east coast mentality and you’ve got a recipe for success. 

2) What put you into this profession? 

Ever since high school, I wanted to cut hair. Growing up as a punk rock kid in the ‘80s, I was always the one cutting and coloring everyone’s hair. I’ve always been good with a pair of clippers.

In the Army, I’d bring dudes into the barracks and fade them out for a few bucks here and there, and when I got out, I decided to take it to a professional level. 

3) You're very political with your thoughts and posts on IG, which is something you don't see a lot of barbers doing. Talk about that a bit...

I believe in using whatever resources are at your disposal to affect change in the world. My business is my primary resource and, in this day and age, it’s important that we speak our against injustice, bigotry, racism, etc. They always told me when I became a barber, “never talk politics or religion on the floor”, but fuck that. I’ve never been one to not speak my mind and if customers don’t like it, there are a lot of shops out there adhere to that ‘rule’. Personally, I believe Rooks built its reputation by being real, and I encourage my barbers to be who they are. 

What have been the positive/negative outcomes of your public opinions?  

I’ve lost customers over my public political opinions. I guess you could say that’s a negative. I don’t think it is. I’ve had people “boycott” my bar and other businesses of mine, but I just think they’re funny. You can’t boycott somewhere you’re not welcome.

4) When did the first Rooks open? How were you able to take Rooks from one shop in Portland to having 3 there as well as another in Hood River? 

The first Rooks opened at the beginning of 2009 as a one-chair shop in a little shed attached to a pizza joint. I had worked as a barber for a few years at another shop in town and had built up a large clientele. I took a big chance, opening  up Rooks a half hour away and was fortunate enough to have a lot of clients follow me. The barbering scene hadn’t really hit yet, so nothing like this was happening in Portland. I was the first shop to offer straight razor shaves and booze, and my shop gained recognition pretty quickly. After a couple years at that one-chair shop, I moved a few blocks up the road and opened a three-chair, bringing a couple quality barbers onboard from out of town. I had to hire barbers from California because there were hardly any in Portland. A year later, I added two more chairs. By then, our little shop was constantly busy and we had some really solid barbers. So, a year after that, I decided to try a second shop across town to cater to a larger clientele. A third one went in right in the heart of downtown Portland a couple years after that and the rest is history. We had become a Portland institution and a nationally-known name. The fourth shop opened up a couple years later but, unfortunately, was lost in a building fire. We quickly recovered and expanded to Hood River, Oregon just a year and a half ago, and that’s now our busiest location.

What went through your head when the fire hit? 

My first concern was relocating my barbers so that they’d still have work. I can deal with a little financial blow like that but I didn’t want my barbers to feel that burden. I also immediately began thinking of the way forward. A couple barbers wanted to start a Go Fund Me campaign to help me recoup some of the financial loss but I wasn’t having it. It was my problem to deal with, not everyone else’s. I had to view the experience as an opportunity to grow in a different direction and, ultimately, it enabled me to put time and energy into opening up Hood River.

5) How do you manage all those shops/barbers?

Very poorly.

No, but seriously...I put a lot of stock in my barbers and give them ownership in their shops. My barbers are free to be who they are, manage their own clients, handle their own money, schedule their own breaks, etc. I think the key to a successful shop is keeping your barbers happy. I refuse to treat mine like children. They didn’t pay $20k for barber school to be bossed around and make shit pay. 

6) What do you get into outside the shop? Hobbies, obsessions, etc. 

Business IS my hobby/obsession. I love creating something, building a brand, getting my hands dirty with the buildout process, etc. Outside of Rooks, I also own a pomade brand, a bar and a motorcycle shop. I create businesses based on my hobbies, so I’m never really working; just doing stuff I like.

7) Notable life fuck-up that ended up being a great learning tool? 

Hmmm....I think all fuck-ups should be used as learning tools. 

I tried many businesses over the years before opening Rooks, to no avail. Each time was a valuable lesson; how not to waste money, who not to partner with, etc. 

I fucked up a lot in my life, but I wouldn’t have been in the exact place I am if I hadn’t.


8) Advice for someone who wants to take that first step from being a barber to opening their own shop? 

Every endeavor requires risk. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take those risks. It’s scary. Putting money down on a lease, going in without really knowing what the outcome will be..it’s serious, and it’ll fuck with your head. Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Your business has to be your entire identity, at least in the beginning. Brands don’t build themselves. Don’t be in too much of a rush. Wait until you’ve got several years of experience and a large customer base. Try not to take a loan out, even if it’s from family. You don’t want to start up already in a bunch of debt. Choose your partners wisely and, if possible, don’t have one. Certainly don’t have more than one or you’ll never make money.Make sure you know your brand, but be willing to adapt and progress. Rooks isn’t the same brand that it was when I started and we’re better for it.

Always be true to yourself and don’t compromise. 

Respect your barbers. They’re your most valuable commodity.

And DON’T BE COMPETITIVE. Support other shops and keep open communication with them.

9) Random thoughts on what you do....

I love what I do. Opening Rooks has been the best thing I’ve done for myself and my children.

That doesn’t mean starting a business is the best move for everyone. Some people won’t function in that position, others will flourish. 

And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just as honorable to put in an honest days work as it is to be an entrepreneur. 

Good luck in whatever you do!

Is the barbering community in Portland supportive?  

If I’m being honest...no, I don’t believe it is.

It’s getting there, for sure. But, there are still a lot of shop owners who view each other as competition, and that’s absolutely the wrong mindset to be in.

Portland is saturated with barbershops and could benefit from a stronger sense of community.

Good Times Barbershop - California

San Diego Barbershop - Photography

Imperial Beach, California

Brent Ferris was the owner of Good Times Barbershop in Imperial Beach, CA before he sold it and moved to Missouri to open a Good Times out there. Brent might appear in my books more than anyone else. Prior to writing this blog post I went back to see when the first time I photographed him was, and 2012 is the answer. At that time I was somewhat casually working on this project in the San Diego area. He was working at Lefty’s back when they were still at their Cass St. location, but he is one of the Lefty’s OG’s from the Garnet Ave days. Since all that, he went on to cut at Capitol Barbershop where I shot for the first book. Then when he opened up Good Times in IB, we shot together for the second book. This past year I stopped at his new place in MO, but he wasn’t around and it was closed. No sweat. I’ll be back out there before too long. Can’t seem to find the scans, but I shot him back in 2012 on medium format film using an RZ67. A big bastard of a camera that produces amazing files.

Follow Brent on IG @b_ferris and the shop @goodtimesbarbershopmo

Click here to read the last Q&A with Joe from Al’s Barbershop.

Click here to check out the book.

“We really didn’t learn much in there other than playing craps, smoking weed, and skate boarding all day”

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1) Where are you from and what did you do before becoming a barber? 

I’m from a small beach town on the south side of San Diego called Imperial Beach. 

2) What was it like taking the jump from cutting in someone else's shop to opening your own? Take us through the experience. The good and the bad. 


To be honest, I had no desire to starting a shop, ever. I started off over at Lefty’s Barber Shop with Brian Burt when he first opened the doors of his first shop on Garnet in Pacific Beach and then moved over to Capitol Barber Shop with AJ probably 8 years later. I worked with AJ two years and finally just woke up one day to a sign in a window that I had passed by for about 15 years (in Imperial Beach) that I always thought would be the perfect barber shop location, that eventually became Good Times Barber Shop. I was completely content in paying my booth rent and going home daily. But when I finally got to doing numbers on what booth rent was and what my bills would be, they almost equaled out with the deal I was getting on the spot in IB and I couldn’t pass it up! 

What obstacles did you face with opening that shop? What did you do to increase business?

One of the biggest obstacles I had with opening my first shop was building it out all myself. I decided to go with pallet wood walls and man those were a pain in the ass to take apart! I literally busted my ass working at Capitol Barbershop, get off work, went home, got the kids to bed, and then headed over to the new shop and worked in there until about 1-2am. I completed the shop in just about a month with working on it daily and all days on the weekend. 

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3) After owing your own shop in Ocean Beach, you decided to sell it, move to the middle of Missouri, and then open a shop there. Why? 

I really did it all for my family! San Diego cost of living was just getting outrageous and my family is number one! Plus, every time I visited my family in Missouri I wondered, why the fuck is there no real barbershops here?! So I sold my shop off to one of the guys who worked with me, Adam Foxworth, and packed up and left to MO. 

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4) How was that process different from opening the first? 

It was scary! I had 10+ years of clientele in San Diego to open a shop, so it didn’t seem bad and then moved to a little country town in the middle of Missouri where I didn’t know anybody other than a couple of family members. I was like, “shit, did I do the right thing?!” It has worked out great though. From the get go, it’s been crazy busy and picking up steam every week! 

5) You're known for giving very fast high quality haircuts? How are you able to be so quick yet still keep the quality so high? Why can't other people do that? 

Hahaha, I don’t know who told you that but yeah I cut pretty quick. I guess I’ve just been lucky to be able to cut quick, talk shit, and efficiently. I’m kind of a multi tasker, so that probably helps? 

6) What was barber school like for you? Why did you start? 

Barber school was kinda like being in jail, very segregated by race and always some shit popping off. We really didn’t learn much in there other than playing craps, smoking weed, and skate boarding all day. I got started originally because Brian Burt was my barber and he kept telling me every time I’d come into Milts shop (where he was working before he opened Lefty’s), to go to barber school. I sat there one day and asked him what barbering was all about other than cutting hair and the first thing he said was, “you’ll be your own boss”. That sold me on the spot!

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Can you go into more detail about all the shit that was going on in barber school? Did you ever think about dropping out?  

Haha. Barber school was a trip. People smoked weed in the side alley of the school, craps were played in the back room where we had “class” and we dealt with a lot of homeless coming in the school because of our location. It was definitely a fun time though! Not much was taught in my school. It was kind of up to you how much effort you wanted to put into learning. I would always go and watch Brian Burt cut and he’d teach me stuff that I would take back to school and work on. What better time and place to practice when you’re in school. If you fuck their hair up it didn’t matter as much as when you get into a shop. 

No, I never thought about dropping out. I had my eyes set on the future of what barbering was going to possible bring me and that kept me going. There were definitely times I hated being there, especially once you’re getting close to being out and you feel like “you know it all”.Haha. Then once you’re out it’s a completely different story. Your cuts have to count and be great cause you want that guy to come back and potentially refer people to you. 

7) Where do you find inspiration inside/outside the barber industry? 

I just love checking out barber shops when ever I’m visiting places. If I’m traveling I’m checking out barber shops. Other than that I love watching friends and rad people do cool stuff and making it happen, no matter what the skill is! 

Any one person in particular that you look up to?  

I would have to say Brian Burt for sure! Taking me under his wing when he had just started Lefty’s and trusted me to work there. He definitely taught me a lot on cutting hair and running a successful, clean, and welcoming barbershop! 

8) What do you do outside the shop? Hobbies, obsessions,collections, etc. 

Some times I feel like I do too much! I love building custom hot rods, which is what I did before becoming a barber. I’m a big collector of American vintage stuff such as flags, old barber poles, and many other random things. I grew up surfing so that’s always been a passion of mine along with shaping surf boards. Now that I’m in the mid west I do a lot of fishing, deer hunting, and beer drinking! I love craft beer which is a big part of me and my wife’s life. We visit breweries frequently and travel to find new ones. 

Do you think building hot rods and shaping surf boards has anything to do with your skill as a barber?  

I believe it does! As a hot rod builder and surf board shaper there’s a lot of attention to detail when your building. You need to have that vision of the build/board/haircut before you even put a tool to them and having the skills of all of those translate into each profession. 

Favorite craft brewery? 

Man this is a hard question, I just love beer! If I had to really dissect a brewery though, since I’m into aging and cellaring beer I’d probably have to go with Lost Abbey Brewing Co in San Marcos, CA. They make some of the most complex stouts, sours, and Barrel Aged beers around. Their brewer-Tomme Arthur, is one of the best in the business! 

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9) How do you feel about what barbers are doing with IG? 

I’m not the biggest fan of social media so I don’t participate in IG and Facebook too much. To be honest it’s never gotten me any long term customers or paid me anything so I don’t take the time to always be posting haircuts and stuff. It’s cool for the newer generation but I feel I want to stick with the traditions of the old school way and let my work behind the chair speak for its self rather than posting it out to the world. 

10) Random thoughts on being a barber.....

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It’s the greatest fuckin thing I’ve ever done with my working life!! There’s so much enjoyment knowing you can brighten up somebody’s day with a good haircut. 
If not for barbering I wouldn’t be where I am and be able to support my beautiful wife and kids! 

11) What is your biggest career/life fuck-up that lead you to a realization or to start a better way of life? 

I wouldn’t say it was a fuck up but it was definitely a change in life. I started surfing at a young age and thought I would turn pro so I moved to Maui and surfed my ass off every day and came to the realization that I didn’t want that anymore. I then moved back to California and that is when I started getting into barbering with the help of my roommate at the time Adam Fuqua who is a great tattoo artist. He’s the one who introduced me to Brian after a night of tattooing him.