Raisin’ Hell in Tombstone (again)

[Dennis Gallus]

Since I moved to Arizona some 15 months ago, I’ve been gratified that so many of you appear to enjoy my photos of the West, particularly those photos showing re-enactments of particular periods of history, such as “Helldorado Days” and “Wyatt Earp Days” in Tombstone, AZ.  I notice that people in period dress are of particular interest, so I hereby tender some photos that I took on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the 82nd annual Helldorado Days celebration. 


One of the 2011 Helldorado Girls, a smiling Miss


All dressed up for Helldorado


The Sheriff of Tombstone


One-Eye.  One wonders where all these characters come from, and what they do every day.


Engineering Marvel:  This lady was exhibiting one of the most dramatic examples of cantilevered construction that I have ever seen.  I wanted to compliment her on that, but the stern look from her escort dissuaded me.


Fellow photographer.   In any competition based on appearance, she would win.


Backlighting is sometimes interesting.


10-gauge shotgun.  I could only think of how a short weapon like that would kick.


Pretty lady


Young Miss


Older re-enactors


Fun in the streets.  It was delightful to be around so many people who did not mind posing.


1880’s shopper


Bragging a bit


Two of the 2011 Helldorado Girls


My personal favorite.  Of all the re-enactors and spectators, this girl was best of show.


Personal favorite shot #2


The End:  Departing somewhat from the usual character of my final shot, I would offer this observation:  Someone once said that there are many more horses’ asses than there are horses.  That was not true during Helldorado Days.  The numbers appeared to be equal.  Despite the slightly bawdy character of the event, I witnessed nothing save good manners and proper decorum from re-enactors and spectators alike, and I look forward to next year’s event. 

All shots, Nikon D200, 55-200mm VR zoom.

I hope that you enjoyed these pictures,
Dennis

[Graham Serretta]

Dennis - once again you delight us with your excellent documentary images of Helldorado Days.  My favorite is the sheriff of Toumbstone - can't say specifically why - I just like the photograph.  Thanks for a great post.

[Mike Kovacs]

This looks like so much fun. I'd have a SWAT team descent on me if I wore my Colt in public LOL.

[rgeorge911]

Dennis,

I can't believe it's been a full year since your last post from here.

I have also been considering focusing more on historical events and reenactments.  In addition to my plethora of civil war events around here, I truly need to visit you for one or more of these.  Seeing your images brings back memories of us shooting together at events in Virginia.  You've added a lot to your images since then.  These people seem very comfortable in front of your lens, which can only come from you.

But, I agree, the other photographer would win in a "looks contest."

Regards,
Reed

[radiophoto]

Dennis, add me to the list of folks who greatly admire your perrenial posts, especially the Helldorado Days.  Is this your 3rd year reporting?  Seems like I recognize some familiar faces from last year, like the Sheriff and the young woman with the moneyed cleavage.  All were terrific, and your "cantilevered construction" comment was hilarious!

[jamesmck]

Excellent essay, Dennis.  You certainly were in your element here - again!  Period dress and un-dress.  I agree with your two personal favorites (funny, she seems to remind me of someone :cool:).

James

[br1078lum]

I think we have as much fun seeing your photos, as you had taking them, Dennis.

PF

[LarryD]

I love them more than last years.

[NancyB]

What fun shots!  Shots, get it?  Wow, tough crowd.

All kidding aside, they are good photos, looks like a fun day.  I really like the Sheriff photo too and the comment about the cantilevered construction made me giggle!  I don't blame you for not saying anything around her escort, if looks could kill, you'd be dead!

[jamesmck]

The End: 

Dennis - I forgot to note that you have concluded your presentation with your signature ending, which succeeds whether the topic is vintage cars, civil war reanactments, or the wild west.  Thoroughly enjoyable and well-crafted post.

James

[Mike Kovacs]

I think there were better cabooses to chose from than that one LOL

[lesged]

Dennis,

Thank you for another colorful reportage from the wild, wild west. Excellent shots that let me feel I am witnessing the events directly in Tombstone.

"Raisin' Hell in Tombstone" was a delightful eye opener at 6:40 this morning in Farmington, CT. However, upon awakening, my old eyes take some time to focus properly, which can lead to misidentifying some objects.

Case in point:  I first thought the object in the hollow of the cleavage of the gal, with her eyes lowered, was a cell phone. On closer inspection, it looked more like a wad of bills, which makes sense if she was impersonating a lady of the evening.

So many excellent portraits of folks who really want to be enactors dressed as authentically as possible. Compliments to those in front the lens and the gentleman skillfully working behind it.

I always enjoy seeing your work, Dennis. Keep those wonderful photos coming!

[Dennis Gallus]

Thanks to all of you who have commented on this post.  I'm pleased that you have shared in my fun at taking and posting these photos.  Sharing fun was what I had in mind, even while taking the pictures.  The fact that Tombstone periodically provides such a great collection of faces (and other body parts) as photo subjects just makes sharing the fun a lot easier.  I've derived a great deal of pleasure from Nelsonfoto over the past six years, and I'm glad if I can return some pleasure to others.

Nancy, thanks for giggling.  I never know how my somewhat off-the-wall sense of humor will be taken, and I really appreciate hearing that you enjoyed my remarks too.  I'm also happy to hear from Mike Kovacs.  If Canada ever gets too cold and dreary for you folks, come on down and soak up some Arizona sunshine.  We can do a lot of shooting, both with cameras (and firearms too). 

Reed, I too miss the photo adventures that we had back East.  Please plan to come out for a photo safari, and bring the family.  James McK, if you'd join us it would be like the Three Musketeers again.  That would  be fun.  Helldorado Days occurs every October, and Wyatt Earp days in late May.  Tombstone hosts about one such free event each month, but the October and May events are the biggest and best.  Re-enactors come from as far away as Florida for Helldorado Days.   If anyone is thinking of visiting, this web site provides a good events calendar:  http://www.tombstoneweb.com/events.html

Lester, good to hear from you.  I hope that you are doing well. 

Best regards to all,
Dennis

[NancyB]

Dennis, you can say almost anything around me, I have a slightly (ok, who am I kidding, it's more than slightly) warped sense of humour.  After all, I love Monty Python more than I can say.  So go ahead, be as off-the-wall as you like, the crazier the better.

And I would love to come to Arizona, I've never been in or even near a desert in my life, though I do have some sand somewhere from a friend's trip to Sonora years ago.  I may pass on the firearms, having never even touched a gun in my life, but I would never pass up a chance to shoot with a camera!  Though I know Kovacs would gladly take you up on the firearms bit!

I think my husband would love to go to Wyatt Earp days, he loves all that stuff.  And as my birthday is in May, hmmm ...

[Julio1fer]

Keep these series coming, Dennis! Lots of sun and fun in Helldorado, and excellent portraits. There must have been a lot of photographers around!