They have the unfortunate title of 'rats of the sky', but whoever thought pigeons could grace a fashion studio.
With their multi-coloured coats, slender necks and sleek beaks, these birds showed when they are not eating crumbs off the pavement, they can display a hint of Haute coo-ture.
This stylish shoot, titled Darwin’s Pigeons, was set up by British photographer Richard Bailey, who was looking to capture the birds’ photogenic side as a tribute to Charles Darwin, who is believed to have been fascinated by the birds.
All of the 'models' are fancy pigeons, which are bred specially for shows, fairs and livestock exhibits. He shot 50 types altogether, and all were more than happy to strut their stuff in front of a camera.
'Before I started this project, the nearest I had got to pigeons were the grubby, Dickensian looking creatures we see on the London streets,' he said.
'Some looked a bit naive, some had a conceit about them, an air of self-importance, some looked slightly narcissistic, whilst others looked into the camera with an unflinching almost malevolent gaze.
'Although not a pigeon fancier, I am quite smitten with these wonderful and fascinating creatures and continue to photograph them and other birds regularly.'
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Flurry of feathers: With a tinge of green and purple on its chest, this orange-eyed Indian Fantail resembles a peacock with its bloom of feathers risen in a crescent shape
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The winter look: The formation of this Old Dutch Capucine's dark coat makes it seem like it is wearing a thick, woolen scarf
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Ball of fur: This majestic white Voorburg Cropper with its glaring black eyes could grace the cover of a magazine, with its beak nestled in its thick coat
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Hooded coat: The face of this Black Jacobin is hidden among its thick collection of silk-like feathers
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Black and white: This Indian Fantail poses with its feathers spread out behind it. This breed was discovered by chance in a shipment to San Diego Zoo. They were being fed to pythons, but staff were taken in by its distinct look and decided to keep them in an enclosure
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Blending into the background: The white Jacobin is camouflaged by the backdrop. All of the pigeons were shot in fashionable poses in a professional studio
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Pose: This Magpie's long, slender, neck would make most of the world's catwalk models jealous
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Side profile: Photographer Richard Bailey snapped 50 types of 'fancy pigeon', including the Scandaroon, which was developed through years of selective breeding
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Broad: Pictured is a Horseman Pouter, a pure breed pigeon which puffs out its chest and struts it stuff to attract birds of the opposite gender
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Classic look: The elegant Dragoon is one of the oldest breeds of British pigeons and was used to develop Racing Homers
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Slender: The black, white and green neck of the Competition Tippler, a domestic pigeon
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Flared: The formation of the Saxon Monk's feathers creates the illusion it is wearing a dress. This breed of pigeon comes in five colours including blue, black, red, yellow and silver with white bars or spangles
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Long legs: Forget Cara Delevingne or Naomi Campell, this Pygmy Pouter has managed to perfect a slenderline look
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2548631/Haute-coo-ture-Stunning-images-PIGEONS-place-fashion-models-probably-safer-stay-catwalk.html#ixzz2s14GWm00
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