Expressive Portraits Capture the Soulful Beauty of Animals

The eclectic portfolio of photographer Sergey Polyushko is as comprehensive as it is captivating. With a wide range of interests, the Kiev-based cameraman finds inspiration in an array of subjects, from fast-paced fashion shoots to awe-inspiring landscapes. Like many photographers, he also has a particular penchant for portraiture. Unlike most portraits, however, Polyushko’s depictions are not limited to people; he also finds picture-perfect subjects in the animal kingdom.

In his ongoing series of animal portraits, Polyushko showcases a range of cuddly critters. Each striking shot presents a study of an individual animal, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of earth’s living things through interesting angles, unique compositions, and a variety of settings. Some, like the snow-covered cat and the playful duckling, appear to stare back at the viewer, while others, like the curious caracal and the climbing red squirrels, are captured as they explore their surroundings. While Polyushko often features multiple shots of the same type of animal (cats are clearly a favorite), no two images are alike.

In a world of social media and smartphones, snapshots of squirrels and pictures of cute cats may not be an entirely unique focus, yet Polyushko’s expertly shot photographs stand out among the rest. In addition to striking color contrasts (just look at that black cat’s eyes!) and crisp visuals, Polyushko’s expressive, up-close-and-personal portraits offer an intimate and unique glimpse into each creature’s life, proving just how special our furry (and feather-y) friends are.