The chicken doesn’t have the best reputation. Even self-described animal lovers sometimes make an exception for the ordinary, obnoxious, strange-looking chicken. New York photographer Tamara Staples’ portraits of fabulous, elegant chickens help to give this bird the positive attention it deserves. In the same manner that fancy pigeons are often photographed, Staples presents a variety of chickens seemingly posing before her with magnificence, drama, and grace. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful, with perfect lighting and rich, textured backgrounds.

Ancient breeds of the chicken have been placed as early as 3000 BC, and it is thanks to a passionate group of breeders that many of these breeds continue to thrive. Staples has also made portraits of chicken breeders, and her respect for the care and passion of the practice is evident in each of her images.

All images © Tamara Staples

This post was contributed by photographer Emma Kisiel via her photo blog, Muybridge’s Horse.