EDITION INFORMATION

The canary is a small bird indigenous to the Canary Islands Madeira and the Azores. They have been bred in captivity since the seventeenth century and are famous as show birds and household pets throughout the world. Adopted by British bird breeders, who over time have created many different variants of color to the breed, they have also increased its size from that of its wild cousins. Canary owners vary from the obsessive breeders who show their prize birds with a competitive banter and bird lovers who just enjoy the sweet tweeting, and the colorful presence of their feathered friend.

When I photographed these birds I approached them as if I were photographing a human being; granting them the same importance and attempting to highlight the individual personalities of these sociable birds. I find each bird has an air about them; be it proud, shy or bemused, there is always something which is added to by their colorful appearance-- giving the feeling that they are wearing their Sunday best.

Yellow Canary #1 is part of an ongoing series. I plan to photograph many other varieties of show birds, such as canaries, budgies, finches and love birds.