Epic whiskers

An event like the National Beard and Moustache Championships is a photographer's dream.

"It's ready-made interesting subject matter," photographer Greg Anderson said in an email interview. "All of the wardrobe and styling was done by the contestants for the competition … but I had complete creative control. I set up a studio in the House of Blues (New Orleans), where the competition was taking place, and shot over 2,500 images of 165 people in two days."

The annual competition, which was held in September, brings out an eclectic mix. Still, "largely, these are regular, down-to-earth guys who enjoy being a part of the bearding community," Anderson wrote.

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And what better time to feature Anderson's portraits than the start of No-Shave November — a rather unique, month-long cancer-awareness effort. Whether you're looking for inspiration or or not, this selection of Anderson's favorite mustachioed (and bearded and mutton-chopped) competitors will have you rethinking how noticeable that five o' clock shadow really is.

**Check out more of Greg Anderson's work**