That Time I asked Everyone to Hold a Rubber Chicken

When I was a student at Northwestern University, I decided to photograph people holding a rubber chicken. Friends, fellow students, anyone willing to indulge me became part of my quirky little experiment. There were a lot of laughs and creative ideas while we explored the possibilities of what this chicken could represent.

I created this rubber chicken series for a photography class. I loved using photography as an excuse to have a good time. I used black and white film, and a very amateur studio setup that featured a bedsheet background and an incandescent work light. This “close-enough-for-rock-and-roll" style made the whole thing funnier.

I wouldn’t call it a professional result, but spending time with these silly portraits offered glimpses of something important and true: humor can strip away self-consciousness and expose a person’s authenticity. This is something I have taken to work with me in the decades since. Perfection is unnecessary. Having fun is the key. So, when life gives you a rubber chicken, run with it. The smiles that follow will fill you up for a lifetime.