Art of the Beard

The age of the metrosexual is over. Dead and buried. In places as diverse as Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Richmond, Miami, and Charleston, modern American men are ushering in a new golden age of hirsute pursuits. Denouncing the baby-smooth standard that society has set, men from around the world are reembracing their face in its most natural state. A select group of these well-whiskered men and their faithful Whiskerinas have taken this dedication a step further through the formation of their very own competitive community. Backed by the jackpot of good genetics and a well-oiled care routine, this group of grooming enthusiasts competes all over the world in hopes of recognition in the art of pogonotrophy. Step inside this whimsical, wild, and often-misunderstood world of competitive bearding through the lens of David Sacks. Comb through his collection of over 200 portraits and see for yourself how beautifully weird the beard can be.

David Sacks was a predominantly New York City-based photographer for over 20 years. He worked in 33 countries, was published in over 50 national and international magazines, and won dozens of awards, including the Nikon/PDN World in Focus Grand Prize in 2007.