Through the lens

Want to capture stunning photos of your bantams, whether at home or in the show hall? A poultry expert and show photographer shares his top tips on lighting, posing, and patience with Cara Wheeldon to help you get the perfect shot.

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For over 27 years, 65-year-old Yard Supervisor Rupert Stephenson has been a familiar face behind the camera at poultry shows across the UK. For Rupert, the role of a poultry photographer was not one he expected to find himself in, but when the official show photographer at the National Poultry Show in Stoneleigh passed away, Rupert was asked to step in.

“I turned up to the show many years ago to the sad news that the official photographer, The Late Great John Tarren, had passed away, so I was asked if I could take over and do my best on the actual day,” recalls Rupert. “From there, it just became my bit for the Fancy.”

That moment set him on a decades-long journey of capturing some of the finest bantams across the country.

Though he is semi-retired from large-scale show photography, Rupert still steps up to help when needed, offering his expertise to seasoned exhibitors and backyard keepers alike. “I am also proud to be honoured as an honorary life member of the P.C.G.B,” says Rupert.

With bantam photography growing in popularity, more poultry keepers are looking to capture their birds in all their feathery glory, whether they are inside the show tent or roaming around their sunny gardens.

So, whether you want a professional-style portrait of your champion Pekin or just a charming snapshot of your backyard Serama, Rupert’s wisdom offers invaluable guidance. Here is how to get started.

THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHING BANTAMS

Bantams, being smaller than their large fowl counterparts, are particularly photogenic. Their compact size means they fit well in frames, and their unique personalities can shine through a well-taken image.