Bowlero Bowlers
I daydream a lot. I love funny movies. The other night I was watching the movie “Kingpin” for the umpteenth time. So so funny! It inspired me to do an “old time” bowling picture. I called a friend at the United States Bowling Congress and told him about my idea. He thought it would be great, but getting the right “characters” would be the key. I heard about a big tournament where over 200o bowlers would attend. I spend a glorious day picking and choosing my favorite faces. So many to choose from! After I had selected my favorite ten, I set out to find a vintage bowling alley with lot’s of character. There’s not many left anymore. I found a great place called “Bowlero”. Finally, I had my stylist find some vintage shirts and voila, we were ready to make some photographs. On the day of the shoot, I ordered the mandatory pizza and beer. You have to feed the guys to make them happy. One by one, I did single portraits that were funnier than the next.
Keep in mind, these were REAL bowlers, not actors. So most had never had their picture taken. It was time to save the best for last, the group shot. I wanted to get a great image of the entire team. It was always planned that they would act “silly” and make as many obnoxious faces as possible. We got that picture. But near the end as I was changing lenses, I paused and turned around. I noticed the laughing had stopped and it was very quiet. As the bowlers waited for my next instruction, this is exactly what they looked like.
Kind of looks like the “bowling soprano’s”. The moral of this story is that sometimes you get two pictures for the price of one. So keep your eyes peeled, and you might get a shot just like this, just by being patient. Keep laughing, and go bowling sometime! It’s really fun.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Paul – I love the shots,, and I love the idea. It must have been a blast working with these guys! But when all is said and done, what can you do with the photos? Was it purely enjoyment on your part, or was there an angle somewhere that made this a worthwhile effort? For most of us, the challenge is not finding things to photograph, but finding a way to make it pay some of the bills. Thanks for sharing!
Michael Gauthier
Michael, part of staying is business for 20 years has been “staying fresh”. Constantly showing and doing NEW WORK. It’s key to making it in the commerical business. I do shoots like this all the time to keep me motivated, and show clients new and interesting things.
It’s advice I give all the time. Keep shooting! Thanks.
Good advice Paul! I am constantly looking for new opportunities, and you are right, it serves to keep my work fresh. It also keeps me interested and motivated, and very busy! Thanks again. mg