A Twist on Portraiture at the Zoo

When it comes to wildlife photography, nothing beats taking the camera and the telephoto lens out to a preserve and following your senses. Often bird-calls and a well-trained eye allow you to locate a scene worthy of framing. Other times luck guides you to a one in a million snapshot. However until it becomes economical to travel to Borneo or Australia, to capture what we would term "exotic" animals in their native habitat, the zoo is still the best bet to set your sights on those creatures.

Lowry Park Zoo is the closest environment in my area to go for candid photos of an exhausted meerkat or an awestruck crane. Confused by my adjectives? Wait until you see the pictures. It's like I said in my portfolio...

"Expressions are the lifeblood of portraiture. As mature human beings, we tend to hide our expressions from peers, however animals do not adhere to those norms and as a result, their expressions are genuine, unencumbered, and shine beautifully in photographs."

Seeing an orangutan with his hand on his chin, looking out at a certain onlooker in the crowd, with a stare that could be called contemplative, I can't help but ask "I wonder what he was thinking?" Or observing a sandhill crane suddenly go wide-eyed and drop its jaw when a camera beep is followed by the bright light of a flash, it's easy to call the expression awe or surprise. Even the gestures of some animals have their parallels with we humans. Glimpsing the meerkat, who has spent the past half hour digging in the dirt, suddenly stagger off and plop himself down wearily, we can empathize. "That's hard work."

Looking for a twist on the usual portrait? Try taking your camera to your nearest zoo or just observe the animals around you at work and among their own kind. What you see might just change your outlook on the world.

Thanks for reading.

Lyle Polyak

(to see more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Homosassa Springs, A Great Road-trip for Photographers

As I type this blog entry I’m off of “Commercial Way” on my journey back toward Tampa, and Clearwater. Today, I ventured from my hometown an hour or two to The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Without further explanation, you and the rest of my readers may envision a recreational park? A forest preserve perhaps? In fact, Homosassa Springs is a working zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

I arrived at the visitors center this morning, a spacious building with children’s exhibits, baked goods, a gift shop and a sheltered boat dock. Passenger ferries arrive to and from the center on the half hour and take visitors on smooth ride down Pepper Creek to The State Park. The ferry captain entertained the youngsters with origami while we waited for boarding, then offered us a narrative of the local plants and wildlife we glimpsed on the short trip. Visitor's who prefer a quicker means of transit may board the trams to and from The Park. I assure you though, the boat trip is worth your time. I glimpsed gators, turtles and nesting osprey on the thirty minute transit.

We arrived at the State Park and disembarked in time for an introduction to Lu, the African hippopotamus. I understand he was retired as a mascot for Union Carbide and awarded honorary citizenship, in 1991, by Governor Lawton Chiles. This legal gesture assures that, though he is not a Florida native, he may live out his days peacefully, with the local wildlife of the zoo. The remainder of the park is a network of hiking paths that follow the Homosassa River, leading visitors to open-air enclosures for manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, river otters, and a variety of native water birds and birds of prey.

Unlike our local zoo, The Park is not dense with vacationers so it offers a variety of fine opportunities for photographers, like myself, to get unobstructed shots of the wildlife. At the time I visited Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park the fees were $13 for adults, $5 for children. I recommend it to all of my artistic friends. The Park is located at 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa Springs, Florida. Visit their website at http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm.

 Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary makes the news

It's always wonderful to be able to call attention to your friends and that's made easier when the media finds them. I've had the pleasure of visiting Captain Tut Barret of the Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary in the past for his photographic needs. The Sanctuary acts as a shelter and rehabilitation clinic for displaced and injured parrots. These are among my favorite creatures to capture on my digital camera as they are amazingly expressive, vibrant and always very curious of technology.

Missing owl ID-ed?

On my latest hike for new photos I visited McGough Nature Center in Largo ... An exceptional location, with trails that snake through lush high pine and palm hammocks on their way to a private boardwalk with an amazing view of the inter coastal waterway. A year ago this was the site of an owl heist. During the dark of night, an intruder attempted to steal or set free a fledgling great horned owl who was being cared for by the nature center. "J.R. the owl" had fallen from his nest and was abandoned by his mother. It was assumed that he had no knowledge of how to fend for himself in the wild, hence, when he was released by this uninformed intruder it was assumed that his would be a short life. On my hike, I came across an older gentleman who was birdwatching along the trails and he guided me to a mature great horned owl perching at the top of a pine tree. He was awestruck when I pointed out in my camera's viewfinder what appears to be a band around the owl's leg and he immediately ran to get the park ranger. This small band may be the identifier to prove this owl is the missing J.R. I have sent my photographs to the Nature Center and I'm currently waiting for the results of their analysis.


These photographs remain unedited but seem to show a band around the owl's leg.

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Photo Opp at The Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary

I had the distinct pleasure to visit the Pinellas Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary this weekend and meet its founder and President Captain “Tut” Barrett. The Sanctuary takes in Parrots who are injured or handicapped, who have outlived their keepers and other exotic birds from families that can no longer afford to keep them. Captain Tut does an excellent job nursing these beautiful birds back to health, training them and providing for them. The birds in turn provide affection, education and entertainment for PARC, Disney, local parades and other events. Captain Barrett has become an authority on Parrot Health and well-being with local veterinary clinics and it is always a pleasure to photograph animals who approach my camera out of personal curiosity. My crew and I wish him the best and hope we may be invited back should he require photography for advertisement in the future. Expect to see a variety of color parrot photos added to the Take Flight Gallery in weeks to come.

Please visit the Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary Website at http://www.suncoastparrotsanctuary.org/ and consider donating to aid its efforts.

"Hey, whatcha got there?"

Captain Tut with Cockatoos.

Parrots like their toys.

Captain Tut with a Macaw.

An African Gray.

These guys love attention.

"Ah! Flash!"

Thanks for Reading.

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Pet Pal Newsletter

Lotus

Fun, Food
Gift Drawings, and more!
Live music provided by
80's cover band Screamin’ Donkey

Cost is $5 at the door and includes a complimentary beverage.
Friday, July 8th 6pm to 10pm
Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill
1320 Central Ave, St. Petersburg

All proceeds will benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s homeless animals and emergency medical fund.

Some Special Opportunities

You may remember seeing Richard Sean Manning’s breathtaking prints at Puppy Love. If you could not attend or really wish you had purchased an original print by the noted artist and philanthropist, now you can…. and for a great cause!

By visiting The Manning Arts website and purchasing any original works of art, 66% of the proceeds from your transaction will be donated to Pet Pal Animal Shelter!

Tony Korman of Korman Studios has generously agreed to donate 10% of any profits made from the purchase of his items to Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Tony creates beautiful lifelike custom sculptures of your pet. Please visit his site at www.kormanstudio.com. When you place an order, make sure to use the promo code PPAS.

“A Dog by Any Other Name”
Changing the Name of Your New Dog

Sometimes adopting a dog means adopting a dog with a name you don’t particularly like. Any dog can learn a new name, even if it’s completely different from his previous one. Your dog or puppy can be responding to his new name within a week if you use the following tools provided by noted dog authority, Sue Sternberg.

• Decide on any new name you wish for your newly adopted pet.
• For the first few days, carry a pocketful of treats.
• Every once in a while, particularly when you want your dog’s attention, call out his new name and then immediately smile, praise, and feed him a treat.
• Even if he doesn’t turn to look at you when you call out the name, do the aforementioned anyway, and soon he will know that hearing that word means good things are coming, and he will respond as if that word was his own!

Thank you!

When Sage and Sarah were asked to do a "Project of Worth" for Ozona Elementary, they decided that Pet Pal would be the beneficiary. The girls waged a campaign to collect essential items for the shelter. Below, you can see the results of their hard work!



Our mission is to rescue dogs and cats from animal shelters that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries or lack of socialization and training. We are also dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.

This mission takes a great deal of funding. If you wish to help our cause, please visit our website to make a donation. Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one or a pet.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends. We would like to share our news with as many people as possible! If someone has forwarded this to you, and you want to sign up to receive the newsletter regularly, just use this link.

Pet Pal's Ninth Annual Puppy Love was a great success. We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their contributions and support:

Life Styles Family fitness, The Hampton Inn(Seminole), Hilton Inn Express(Seminole), Harvey’s 4th Street Grill, Angela Ramsberger, Hollow Tree Images, Richard Bialor, Lyle Polyak, Michelle Foster, Steve Kilburn, Gilbert Jewelers, The Stress Relief Clinic, Salon on the Grille, Andy and Louise Reeves, Hennessy Construction, Bronson and Mary Alexander, Joni and Jeff Witt, Fresh Market, Petco, Tampa Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts, Capt. Rick Frazier, Michelle Fincher, Wal-Mart, Mangrove Golf Course, Old Farmer’s Creamery, Megan Funk, Tampa Improv, Blue Waters White Sands Guesthouse, Sue Edwards, Kathy Proper, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Island Salon, Crystal Image Gallery, Kay Sherman, Island Massage, APEX, St. Petersburg Museum of History, The Dali Museum, Ron Schnell’s Superkicks Karate, Regal Pet Sitting Service, Diane Martin, Terri Lou Richey, Debby Dailey, Pei Wei, Scully’s Restaurant, Ellen Altmore, Merry Rosenfield, Violet’s Vanity Boutique, Animal House, Purple Onion, The Magic of Mary, Marcie Anderson, Vicki Anderson, Dolphin Beach Resort, Embassy Inn, Palm Beach, Herb Snitzer, Tackle Shack, Tom Gessler, McDonalds Corporation, Tara Pisano, Community Concern for Animals, Bowled Restaurant, Cypress Run, Roco Traders, Dianne Caton, Historic Inns of Annapolis, The Hair Gallery, Hilton Costa Mesa, Embassy Suites Walnut Creek, Homewood Suites Mobile, Oyster Catchers, Kathleen Leslie, LMT, Texas Cattle Company, Susan Zaffater, Angela Ramsberger, Pronto Carwash, Edible Arrangements, Mariner Car Wash, Canoe Country Outfitters, Megan Trethewey, Aerial Innovations, Steve Pica, Hampton Inn St. Louis, Bob Lee Tires, Embassy Suites Las Vegas, Doubtree Orlando, Merial, Patricia Cheyne, Tyler Garzo, Sherry Dufresne, Bob Holm, American Spirits, Yvonne Edmonds, Sign of the Dolphin, Debbie Brooks, Milagros, St. Pete Yoga, Mark Georgiades, Vinyl Resort and Golf Club, Miami Dolphins, Nutrisource, Valerie Widner, LMT, Tranquility Wellness Spa, Embassy Suites Napa, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Pet Smiles, Savoy Spice, Ingrid Toney, Clearwater Aquarium, Linn Sennott, Renaissance Day Spa, Stephanie Brobiel, Grooming by Aunt Jac, Cindy Gordon, Sue Stariha, Frescos, Foolish Pride Tattoo Co., Sterling Cleaners, Tim Ramsberger, Shell Key Shuttle, Bon Aire Resort Hotel, Sirata Beach Resort, Angel Schumaker, Shapiro’s, Courtside Grill, The Yachting Gourmet, Harbor House Inn Maine, Stake Out Grill, Horse and Jockey, Lowes, Rosemary Lutz, Jean Halden, Robert Forlizzo, Richard Bailer, Dr. Long, DVM, Tony Langland, Advance Auto Parts, International Diamond Source, Carolyn Edds, Dolin’s, Gulf Coast Garden Center, Don Longfellow, Alex Foster, Wicked Salon, Vista Galleries, Florida Orchestra, Seminole Tattoo, Gone to the Dogs, Best Buddies, A Bow-Meow Affair, Dan Boldt, Team Touch, Racquet Club of St. Petersburg, Brick Feng Shui, 1st Choice Equestrian, Screamin’ Donkey, Barry Rothstein, Midtown Restaurant and Sports Bar, Grattzi’s, Moon Under Water Restaurant, Beth Boyle, Hair of the Dog Grooming, Being, Mary Vincent, Jacquelyn South, Tricia Baker, Richard Dangereau, Randy Roberts Hair Salon, Jamie Martin, New Dawn Animal Behavior, Lin-Z Salon, Diamonds Direct Inc, Poodle Palace, Fig, Kalamazoo, Marcia Duley LMT, Jenny Clutterbuck, Flavors of Florida, Love My Dog Resort, GoGo Errand Service, Judy Campbell, Derek Alvarez, Bayou Club Golf, Dr. Bender, Progressive Dog Training, A Taste of Asia, Platinum Hair Salon, Brimstone, Pasadena Pet Motel, Joan Grayson, John and Eileen Nave, Scott and Terra Sroka, Balsam Hamade, Meg Haight, Pet Food Warehouse, Pet Supplies Plus, Macia Duley LMT, Sandy Johnson, Jennie Clutterbuck, Go Go Errand Service, Judy Campbell, Linda Biltz, Kay Sherman, Victoria Oliver, Bayou Club, Flavors of Florida, Derek Alvarez, Lois Admire, Randy Roberts Hair Salon, I Want a Walk Pet Service, A Bow Meow Affair, Progressive Dog Training, A Taste of Asia, Platinum Hair Salon, Brimstone, Mary Kym Rey, Crystal Davis, Joan Grayson, Tanya Sharkey Photography, LA Fitness, Crown Plaza Westshore, The New Barker, Kathy Marlor, No Name Java, Paws in Paradise, Sarah Grace Nadler, Dr. Hood, AAA, Pioneer Pet Salon, One Lucky Dog, Crabby Bill’s, Harvey’s, Village Inn, Massage Envy, Hilton Downtown St. Pete, Sacino’s, Starbucks, Michele Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Alderman









Posted with approval of Pet Pal Animal Shelter, authorized on 06.13.2011