Portraits of a photogenic black chicken and a travel-weary dog are among the winning snaps of this year's International Pet Photographer of the Year Awards.

A collection of rooster photos from 500px.

“Hens and roosters can’t be directed,” says photographer Alex ten Napel. No matter the situation, the red-faced birds are wholly themselves, lurching from one spot to the next, burying themselves within masses of feathers, and spreading their wings as if they’ll finally lift off the ground despite being notoriously poor fliers. Chickens are known for their awkward gaits and distinct attitudes and are also the latest subjects of ten Napel’s portraiture. Having focused his lens on people for…

Barbara O'Brien Photography's 2015 Shot of Day Project

Download this free photo of Chicken Eggs Flesh Roast from Pixabay's vast library of royalty-free stock images, videos and music.

“Hens and roosters can’t be directed,” says photographer Alex ten Napel. No matter the situation, the red-faced birds are wholly themselves, lurching from one spot to the next, burying themselves within masses of feathers, and spreading their wings as if they’ll finally lift off the ground despite being notoriously poor fliers. Chickens are known for their awkward gaits and distinct attitudes and are also the latest subjects of ten Napel’s portraiture. Having focused his lens on people for…