Photographer Dave Mead photographed the competitors of the 2009 World Beard and Mustache Competition. His prints are currently on display at Chelsea Market in New York under the title of “Magnificent Specimens.” And that they are! If you can’t make it to NY you can buy some of the prints for $350 or just view them online. (I suppose for $350 you could buy a plane ticket to New York…)

The portraits are very well composed. Besides finely waxed and sculpted facial hair, they make use of detailed costumes that are fitting to each ‘stache. Check ‘em out.