Ruby Coggins is a wildlife photographer based in Worcestershire and currently studying at University
Most people walk by pigeons without giving them a second thought. They are often disregarded and labelled as pests due to unfair stereotypes. Through my photography, however, I wanted to challenge these perceptions and show people a side of pigeons that often goes unnoticed.
My interest in pigeons began a few years ago. I would often hear people say negative things about them, and I always found myself wondering, “What is so wrong with them?” To me, they were no different from any other bird, and it upset me that they were treated so badly. Photography became my way of expressing this perspective. I wanted to showcase them differently, highlighting the beauty of their feathers, intricate details, and the everyday moments in their lives that most people ignore.
This project has taught me patience, observation, and a completely new way of seeing. I didn’t want to simply go out and take a collection of photographs, as I felt that would only result in images of the typical everyday pigeon you all see. Instead, I waited for specific moments, looking for unique behaviours and captivating details that would reveal something unfamiliar about these birds.
Each photograph has its own story. Some of my favourites are the close-up portraits, where I became fascinated by the incredible colours within their plumage.
Every pigeon has a unique pattern and combination of colours, making each bird an individual subject. My aim was to encourage people to stop for a moment and truly appreciate what was in front of them. By using a shallow depth of field and getting as close as possible, I was able to isolate these details and transform a familiar bird into something almost abstract.
My goal is not simply to photograph pigeons, but to inspire others to see them differently. Through my photography, I hope to give them the attention they deserve and reveal the beauty of a species that has spent far too long being overlooked and diminished.
By Ruby Coggins