You can measure the value of an event by the intensity of our desperation to photograph it. Weddings come to mind, as well as major sporting events, first birthdays, and… haircuts?

The last time someone photographed me getting my hair cut I was about 1 year old. I don’t even remember it. It was my first haircut, in fact. Don’t all parents photograph their child’s first haircut? I’m in my late 20’s now and I’m pretty sure this is only the 2nd time that the partial execution of my hair follicles has been documented. Nobody really bothered to document my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or even 50th haircut. Well, I suppose annual birthdays are more important.

As someone that is always behind the camera it felt very therapeutic to be on camera. It’s like having your voice recorded on tape and then played back to you. Equally as weird. I had a friend take these photos – he’s a full-time musician, not a professional photographer – but I think he did a great job of capturing the experience. Editing these photos was also very strange to me. I am definitely not used to seeing my face in Adobe Lightroom! I can really empathize with people who are more or less terrified of having their picture taken by a stranger.

By the way, Benny’s Barber Shop is awesome. Somehow I convinced them to allow me to do this mini-project and I’m really thankful that everything turned out. The best part of all, I really love my new haircut! I’ve been converted to a regular customer. Benny’s Barber Shop is located at 1719 Bloor St. West, right across from Keele Subway Station. Catch them on the phone at: 416-766-4404.

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