Bill Ziegler, aka “Wild Bill” is the owner of Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Center in Middletown, a store that sells an incredible cluttered diversity of pop culture collectibles from the last fifty years. Vibrant graphics of pop icons adorn the exterior of the building along with a 60s VW Beetle, the world’s largest Jack-in-The-Box popping out of an old silo and possibly even the world’s largest bobbing head doll (Guinness Book doesn’t have a category for that one yet).
Even though bright mid-day sunlight is my least favorite part of day to photograph people, the position of the store’s front dictated the time. An additional portable strobe was used to fill in the harsh light.
Wild Bill was photographed for Distinctive Directories, a publisher of regional business directories throughout Connecticut.
Great ,fun shot, truly captures the zaniness of “Wild Bill”. Nice use of the fill flash.
Thanks Steve. Even though Wild Bill was a great and patient subject, I thought he was probably getting kinda tired of holding his arms up for many takes and it was better to wrap it up soon before the number of fingers got reduced :-)
An excellent juxtaposition of graphics and portrait. Wild Bill exudes a creative energy that leaves the viewer smiling and nostalgic.
Wild Bill is cOol! I love this photo!
Thought you would ;-)))
Al, this guy, Wild Bill, must have the greatest life!!! You’ve captured him and composed this picture in such as way that says Wild Bill is on a personal roller coaster ride – with his “pop-culture” friends. And man-o-man, is he steering his wild ride HIS way — a THRILL a minute. I must stop in to see his store.
You did capture the wild guy. Your picture speaks volumes about this man. What a fun loving dude he must be. I’m sure he loves this portrait. You can’t help but be happy with him. Great job!