Lending a Voice to the Voiceless
Photography is more than just capturing an image it’s about telling a story, revealing emotions, and sparking dialogue. In his powerful black and white series “Caged,” photographer Stephen Podrasky explores the complex relationship between humans and the animals displayed in zoos and aquariums. His work is not merely documentation; it is a visual reflection on freedom, confinement, conservation, and loss.
The Moment That Started It All
The “Caged” project began in 2017 with an unexpected moment of connection. Walking through a zoo in Albuquerque, Podrasky was drawn to a play of light on a wall. As he approached, a massive silverback gorilla stepped into the scene, paused, and locked eyes with him just for an instant before turning away. That fleeting gaze changed everything.
That moment was not just a photograph but the beginning of a journey to lend a voice to these creatures and document their lives within the artificial habitats we create to frame, confine, and protect them.
Behind Bars: The Giraffe’s Reality A towering giraffe stands in a metal enclosure, its patterned skin mirroring the rigid lines of the bars. A stunning yet unsettling contrast between nature and captivity.
A Changing Perspective on Zoos and Conservation
As Podrasky’s project evolved, so did his understanding of zoos and aquariums. His images expose the harsh realities of confinement, yet they also reveal a deeper truth: while some conditions remain inhumane, many modern zoos work toward conservation, education, and the preservation of endangered species.
But despite these efforts, the larger issue remains humanity’s destructive impact on nature. With relentless urbanization, deforestation, and habitat loss, many species now depend on zoos as their last refuge. If we don’t act, photographs may be all that remains of these magnificent creatures.
The Silent Observer: The Gorilla’s Gaze Sitting alone in an enclosure, a gorilla stares forward, seemingly deep in thought. Is it boredom? Contemplation? Resignation? The textured wall behind him becomes a metaphor for the mental barriers captivity.
The Story Behind the Photographs
Each black-and-white image in “Caged” is carefully composed to remove distractions, emphasize emotion, and allow the textures of the environment to tell their own stories. Some scenes feel empty, isolating the observer in the moment, forcing them to take the role of the watcher.
Happy Orangutan Day? In a room scattered with chalked messages of celebration, an orangutan sifts through its space. The contrast between the joyful writing and the stark isolation of the subject is striking.
Why These Images Matter
Podrasky’s “Caged” is more than a photography project; it is a statement.
He believes in the power of visual storytelling to change perceptions and awaken understanding. These images act as mirrors, reflecting our own role in shaping the world of animals.
So many species are on the brink of extinction. If conservation efforts fail, the animals in these images may be the last of their kind.
Follow Stephen Podrasky’s work and learn more at Photo Pensato.
The Kings of Captivity. Three lions rest on a snow covered rock formation. Though majestic, their domain is no longer the wild. Their power remains, but their world is altered.
The Tiger’s Gaze: Who is Watching Who? A tiger paces through an enclosed walkway, framed by layers of fencing and metal bars. Below, the word “WATCHED” is reversed on the glass, making us question the roles are we watching, or are we the ones being observed?
The Lemur’s Secret. A ring-tailed lemur peeks from behind a hammock, half hidden yet fully aware. The lighting and framing add a sense of curiosity and mystery.
Underwater Worlds: The Penguin’s Dive. Capturing movement beneath the surface, a penguin glides through the water, a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the aquatic realm.
Precision in Motion: The Puffin’s Dive. A perfectly timed shot of a puffin breaking the water’s surface, its beak cutting through with elegance and purpose. The bubbles and ripples add to the dynamic energy of the frame.
About the Artist
Stephen Podrasky is a fine art photographer and visual storyteller who approaches his work with a street photography sensibility, capturing moments that first take shape in his imagination.
Born in Aurora, Colorado, in 1967, he discovered a passion for painting and sculpture in his early teens, which led him to the Kansas City Art Institute. While studying there, a book-making workshop introduced him to photography, and he never looked back.
After earning a BA in Fine Art Photography, he took his camera to the streets of Kansas City and later Denver,refining his craft while working for advertising agencies, industry, and fashion. Now, he focuses exclusively on fine art photography, using his analog sensibilities to capture the interplay of light, texture, and emotion.
He currently lives and works in Denver, Colorado, exhibiting his work with the Photo Pensato collective and the D’ART Gallery 360.
🔗 Explore his work at: Photo Pensato