Lynne McCrossan: No close shaves when snapping men with beards

That was the challenge Jonathan D Pryce set himself this summer when he went about snapping gents and their varying degrees of facial hair.

Standing in Ruffians Barber overlooking a waterlogged Queensferry Street as people milled around the exhibition at his book launch, there was a burning question I needed to ask.

How easy was it stopping burly blokes in the street to discuss their bristles? Apparently not so hard once he got into the swing of things.

Having approached men of all age ranges and races, sporting everything from 5 o’clock shadow to full on ZZ Top-athons, the one thing that became resoundingly clear was how proud each alpha male was of his chin warmer. The result is a charming chronicle that captures a moment in time where beards are beloved.

The award-winning photographer and men’s style blogger felt compelled to document the nations current crush on facial hair before it fizzles out of favour with the fickle world of fashion.

As I flicked through the pages of the beautifully shot portraits, I was struck by how each beard gave away a little of the subject’s character.

From the guys keeping up appearances with their designer stubble to the gents with quirky sculpted tufts expressing their artistic side, beards say so much about their wearer without the need for words.

FASHION INSIDER

Spencer Clothing has unveiled another great collaboration with up and coming talent. Its Autumn Winter 2013 collection brings on board Heriot Watt graduate and Scottish Fashion Award nominee Natalie Traynor, whose recent showcase at the Edinburgh Fashion Festival gained great acclaim.