I came to know about the chickens through my uncle, a lifelong hobbyist. I was struck by the variety of shapes and colors of the birds, but I was moved by the individual personalities. My intent in photographing these birds was to create a portrait. I have great respect for their profound history, the utilitarian aspect of their physiology, and the care and passion that goes into the breeding of each variety.
At poultry shows all over the world, known as The Fancy, chickens of all shapes, colors and sizes await their judgment. There is an existing framework, a culture really, that aims to perfect these birds by breeding them based on a book entitled, The Standard of Perfection. These birds are something to behold, and few outside of The Fancy even know of their existence. Each breeder has spent years creating a work of art, where genetics is key. And each bird IS a work of art; from the amount of toes on each foot to the width of the wingspan, from the precise color to the exact weight. Judges carefully inspect every detail. But there is also something else: Personality. Chickens can be haughty, angry, affectionate, shy, charming, sedate, or even funny. In this project, not only do I introduce these regal birds, bred to a standard that most will never match, but I also attempting to capture the individuality of each bird. Just like people, chickens are unique. Take a look into the eyes of these birds and judge for yourselves.
My chicken portraits were the subject of two books: The Fairest Fowl, 2001, The Magnificent Chicken, 2013, both through Chronicle Books. This work has been featured on NPR’s This American Life, CNN, The New York Times and and in other media worldwide.
Art Director - Albert Tang/Simon Schuster Publishing
Stylist - Sarah Guido/Halley Resources
Albert commissioned me to shoot a book cover about food and global warming. This version did not make the cover.
Art Direction - Tamara Staples
Stylist - Derek Ellis/LinkNYLA
I am obsessed with these high heeled sneakers. Recently I’ve been shoe shopping and I see these everywhere. Who’s idea was it to take a comfortable shoe and make it uncomfortable. Nike really knows how to break the rules. Derek Ellis and I went into the studio with these two colorful shoes and matching poster board; this is the result.
Part II of my chicken adventures. National Geographic ran a story about these beauties.
