Magnificent Specimens

Austin, Texas photographer Dave Mead captured all of these incredible faces with creative facial hair.  After traveling to the World Beard and Mustache contest in Anchorage, Alaska in 2009, a portrait series spawned and now you can see all of the collection if you're in the Portland, Oregon area.  Titled Magnificent Specimens (very apt, don't you think?), photos of the champion beards and 'staches are on display at the Land Gallery now through February 13, 2011.  Are you facial hair-friendly?  I certainly am...my husband's beard has been called pristine.