A Santa Barbara Barber

John Papallardo.  John was my barber when I was a kid starting around the age of 5.  I was recently back in Santa Barbara and had a chance to catch up and take some images of him.  He has been cutting my father's hair for about 35 years.  He cut my brother's hair as well and for many years had a picture of him screaming through his first haircut posted on his wall.  Born in Salerno, Italy he migrated to the States in 1949.  He is the son of a barber and his mother's father was a barber as well.  He lived through World War II in Italy and has stories about the occupation there.  He has been cutting hair in the same location for 35 years.  He is a kind and wonderful man and in my mind is a symbol of Santa Barbara. 

Nikon D3s, Nikon 35 f2 lens

To this day, John still carries a strong Italian Accent.

Nikon D3s, Nikon 35 f2 lens

At 82, he has cut back from 6 days a week to 5.

Nikon D3s, Nikon 35 f2 lens

A tool of his trade.

Nikon D3s, Nikon 35 f2 lens