Antique Store in Angels Camp, CA

This past Tuesday I was on my way to a shoot when I drove past an intriguing storefront window. Just like a raccoon, something shiny caught my eye and I turned my head completely around to stare at it although I only glimpsed it for a second. I made a mental note to find the store when I drove back after the shoot.

So gorgeous. I wanted it! I’ve only seen one other fully mirrored piece of furniture and that was in a sweet beach home in Destin, FL.

Long story short, the owner wasn’t ready to part with the piece. She got it for a $100 bucks at an antique shop in Jackson, CA. There’s a little seat that comes with it, which you can sort of see in the photo here at the left, right under the mirrored desk…or vanity…or whatever it is. I just know it’s pretty and I want it. Do I need it? No. But I would like it very much…

Anyway, check out this place. The owner was a character and I found her quite amusing. She was a self-described “bonafide hoarder.” And she wasn’t kidding….

Click on the thumbnails below and a lightbox gallery will pop up.

As a final note, I just want to say that I really appreciate those spur-of-the-moment, impromptu shoots. It keeps me from getting burnt out on photography and returns the wonder and exploration of capturing images to the art of photography. Are these my best images? Probably not. But the experience did a lot to keep me creatively fed and refreshed.

When I woke up that Tuesday morning I had no idea I’d spend an hour with some lady in a town that I’d only ever driven through. I got to meet a truly interesting lady on a day when her store wasn’t even supposed to be open since she’s closed on Tuesdays. She shared stories, talked about her life and where she’s lived, showed me photos and even gave me a blue flowered, scalloped-edged handkerchief I was admiring. I’ll probably never see her again but it was an an experience. And a unique one at that. I like spending time with interesting people, getting to know them & what they’re concerned about on this vast earth and even snapping a few pics of their environment. Good times. Thanks for reading.