Mile High Beard Bout Tintypes
Beard and Mustache Competition tintype portraits
I had the great fortune to create tintype portraits at the Mile High Beard Bout that is put on by the Rocky Mountain Beard and Mustache Club. The Beard Bout is a yearly competition that people from all over the United States come to compete in various divisions. Awards are given for each category including runner-ups. It's all for charity and an insane amount of fun. This year was a fundraiser for National Sports Center for the Disabled. A large part of the competition is not only your beard and mustache but also your attire and some people really go all out. I can't turn down a costume party.
I had a great time watching everyone compete and taking portraits of contestants and spectators. I am already looking forward to next years and possibly going to the national competition to do portraits.
Beard and Mustache
Competition Divisions
Beard and mustache competitions often have various divisions to ensure fair competition and to recognize the diverse styles and types of facial hair. While the specific divisions can vary depending on the event, here are some common categories:
Full Beard Natural Under 12 inches
No styling aids allowed; the beard is judged in its natural state. Only for lengths under 12 inches.
Full Beard Natural Over 12 inches
No styling aids allowed; the 12 inches and over beard is judged in its natural state for fullness, texture, and length.
Full Beard with Styled Stache
The full beard is natural, but the mustache is styled, often with wax or other products.
Natural Mustache
Judges will be looking for a natural moustache with no styling aids present. Any length of moustache will be accepted.
Styled Mustache
Mustache is shaped and styled, typically with wax or other products.
Freestyle Speed Style
Contestants have 60 minutes to style a full beard and mustache using whatever styling products they wish.
Business Beard
A well-presented, “Professional” beard with an overall groomed presentation. This is traditionally a shorter, groomed beard, but all lengths are accepted. Styling Aids permitted.
Partial Beard
Partial beards include Goatee, Whaler, Sideburns, and Three Points (Musketeer).
Whiskerina Natural
A category to include the kids and women. Contestants must use natural hair without styling products to create a beard and or beard/mustache combo. Its pretty impressive how they do this.
Whiskerina Creative
Another category where contestants create a beard/mustache out of any material such as legos, feathers, dollhouses. There is no limit and these ladies get insanely creative.
Beard Tintype Portraits
In no particular order, here are the portraits I took at the Mile High Beard Bout in Denver Colorado. The gentleman with the speed style mustache is 2nd in the world!
