# Intimate Animal Portraits Michael Patrick O'leary's Images of Animals Are Up Close By Jordy E | Published 2013-02-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intimate-animal-portraits-michael-patrick-olearys-images-of-animals-are-up References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/michael-patrick-oleary-wild-animal-portraits) & [michaelpatrickoleary](http://www.michaelpatrickoleary.com) Photographer Michael Patrick O'Leary has delivered an intense assortment of [up close animal portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color). The images are emotionally stirring as he displays the calm side of the creatures, catching them in moments that few are privy to. O'Leary captured these moments while behind the scenes at the Maryland Zoo where he partook in a [fundraising event](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-australian-firefighters). As he picked up acute details, seen in the wisps of hair, eyelashes and cracked bits of skin, the zoo later placed his images upon its promotional posters, ones that were sold during charity auctions. The artist thanks his subjects when referencing his work, "Animals keep you on your toes. It’s just a dance you have to do with them to try to frame something unique, find that window of light that will silhouette them cleanly." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Up-close Animal Portraits:** Opportunity for photographers to capture animals in a unique and intimate way, appealing to animal lovers and art enthusiasts alike. - **Emotive Animal Photography:** Chance for photographers to capture the emotional and vulnerable side of animals, creating impactful and thought-provoking art pieces. - **Animal Conservation Art:** Potential for artists and photographers to raise awareness and funds for animal conservation efforts through their work, leveraging the emotional connection viewers have with the animals portrayed. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** The photography industry has the opportunity to create a new niche in up-close and emotional animal portraiture. - **Art:** The art industry can tap into the emotional and vulnerable aspect of animal photography to create impactful and unique pieces that resonate with art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. - **Animal Conservation:** The animal conservation industry can leverage animal portraits to raise awareness and funds for their cause and showcase the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Custom Pet Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-mom.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Animal-Themed Affirmation Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easy-affirm.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [AI-Enhanced Pet Adoption Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personality-pics.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Spooky Charming Pet Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crown-paw.md) - [Animal-Perspective Video Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaging-system-1.md)