The sheer volume of digital photographs stored on personal devices often reflects the intensity of human connection with pets. For one individual, this connection has manifested in an astonishing collection of over 11,000 photos of their pet rats, a testament to a passion that transcended personal enjoyment and became a professional endeavor. This archive, representing a significant portion of a life dedicated to these often-misunderstood animals, offers a unique window into the world of rat ownership and the creative process behind a niche publication. The collection spans years, with digital images supplemented by even older physical photographs, painting a comprehensive picture of a lifelong affection for rats.
The genesis of this extensive photographic archive lies in the author’s 13-year tenure as the publisher of "It’s a Rat’s World" (IARW), a monthly magazine dedicated to rat enthusiasts. Photography was not merely an aesthetic element of the publication; it was a foundational component, essential for engaging content across both print and social media platforms. The magazine’s visual appeal was critical, driving reader engagement and providing a vital connection between the publisher and its audience. The need for compelling imagery extended to accompanying articles, social media posts, and, most prominently, the magazine’s cover.
Early in the magazine’s publication, a creative strategy was implemented to enhance reader participation and provide a consistent visual theme. A monthly thematic approach was introduced for the cover image and "The PapRATzi Page(s)," a dedicated section showcasing reader-submitted photographs. While holidays naturally lent themselves to themed issues, the author actively sought out more accessible themes for the remaining months. These often focused on common rat behaviors that owners could easily capture, such as grooming, sleeping, and eating. Other popular themes included yawning, rat tails, interspecies friendships, and interactions with humans and children, even venturing into themes of rat travel and outdoor excursions. This strategy not only fostered a sense of community but also encouraged owners to observe and document their pets’ lives more closely.
The author acknowledges a lack of formal professional photography training, particularly in the initial years of IARW. However, a demonstrable progression in photographic quality and artistic composition is evident over time, culminating in covers that the author regards with considerable pride. This article aims to showcase a selection of these magazine covers and candid moments that illustrate the evolution of rat photography within the context of the publication. The focus will be on two primary thematic categories: "Sleeping Rats" and "Rat Dress-Up," alongside "Holidays With Rats," demonstrating the diverse range of photographic content produced.
The Art of Capturing Sleep: Sleeping Rats as Cover Stars
The inherent charm of rats is amplified when they are in a state of repose. A curled-up, fast-asleep rat embodies a profound sense of peace and innocence, making them ideal subjects for captivating imagery. The author highlights several instances where sleeping rats were featured, often capturing candid moments that brought joy and comfort, particularly during challenging times.
One particularly poignant example is a photograph of "Preacher," taken on the author’s birthday in 2020, amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The image depicts Preacher sleeping on his back, legs extended, eyelids fluttering, and nose twitching – a perfect snapshot of a rat lost in dreams. This moment, shared with family during a period of global uncertainty, offered a much-needed sense of joy and connection. The author reflects on the rat’s apparent lack of worldly cares and his absolute trust in his human companions, a sentiment that resonated deeply during a chaotic time. This image, captured during a personal moment of quiet reflection, exemplifies how pet photography can serve as a therapeutic outlet and a source of profound emotional connection.
Another notable series features "Brinley," a young rat adopted with his brother, Moffett. Both were known for their distinctive habit of sleeping on their backs, a trait the author has previously documented. This characteristic made capturing them asleep a recurring challenge, as their energetic nature often belied their tendency to nap. The author notes the irony that while these "wiggle-monsters" were difficult to photograph when awake and posed, they would readily fall asleep at other times. This image, one of the author’s rotating home screen pictures, underscores the enduring appeal of a truly relaxed pet.
The theme of sleeping rats was also central to the May 2012 issue of IARW. For this cover, the author chose "Brockton," a senior rat, to avoid the potential unpredictability of younger subjects. The photograph featured Brockton resting on a bed, with a blanket strategically placed to conceal his arthritic legs and thinning fur. The ease with which Brockton drifted off to sleep during the photoshoot contributed to its success, resulting in what the author considers one of their most cherished photographs of him. This instance highlights the thoughtful consideration that went into selecting subjects and staging photoshoots to best represent the rats and the magazine’s themes. The author wryly observes that when one wants a rat to be energetic for a photo, they are most likely to choose that moment to nap, a common frustration for pet photographers.
A visually striking image features "Castiel," a white rat, nestled amongst pink feathers. This photograph, taken during a Valentine’s Day shoot, captured Castiel’s undeniable comfort in the plush surroundings. While the author considered it for the February 2016 cover, it was ultimately decided that a photo of Castiel’s brothers, Winchester and Crowley, would be used. A video of all three boys enjoying the feathers was also shared on social media, further engaging the audience with the rats’ playful antics. This particular image also served a dual purpose, as the same feathers later featured in a Valentine’s shoot with Castiel himself, demonstrating a resourceful approach to recurring props.
Creative Expression: Rat Dress-Up for Magazine Covers
Beyond candid moments, a significant aspect of IARW’s visual identity involved dressing rats in costumes, a creative endeavor that often required ingenuity and resourcefulness. The author describes hand-sewing felt creations, repurposing existing items, and transforming everyday objects into elaborate ensembles. This section showcases a selection of non-holiday themed photos featuring rats in costume, illustrating the imaginative spirit behind the magazine’s covers.
The release of the final "Star Wars" film in December 2015 sparked a wave of enthusiasm, which the author channeled into the January 2016 issue. The cover featured "Sterling," a hairless rat, whose appearance was likened to Yoda. Sterling was adorned in a hand-sewn, camel-colored cloak, and the photoshoot incorporated Yoda figures from the author’s son’s collection. The dedication to the theme extended to the background, with the author’s son’s bedding and headboard also featuring "Star Wars" designs, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to thematic presentation.
The winter season inspired another charming costume. The author recounts finding a small, snowman-themed plush toy complete with a striped knit hat and scarf. These accessories were carefully repurposed for rat-sized wear. A thin elastic strap was added to the hat to secure it, creating an instant winter ensemble. "Crowley," a brother to Castiel, modeled this outfit for the January 2018 cover. Crowley’s natural photogenic qualities led to his frequent appearances on IARW covers, highlighting his innate talent as a rodent model.
Crowley’s versatility as a model is further showcased in his portrayal as a Scotsman for the October 2017 cover. The inspiration for this costume stemmed from a family trip to Scotland, where a whisky liqueur bottle from Stirling Castle featured a small, tam-o’-shanter-style hat. The author acquired this hat and, back home, fashioned a matching kilt and even non-functional bagpipes from flannel fabric with a similar tartan pattern. This detailed approach to costume creation underscores the dedication involved in producing visually striking covers.
For the September 2012 cover, the author collaborated with Natasha Matherly, a regular columnist for IARW, to create an artist-themed costume. Matherly crafted an artist’s smock and beret, while the author contributed a miniature "Picassoesque" rat painting for "Wolfgang," affectionately nicknamed "Pablo Racasso." This illustrates how the magazine leveraged the talents of its contributors to enhance its visual content.
Celebrating the Calendar: Holidays With Rats
The creation of engaging holiday-themed covers presented a unique challenge, requiring a constant stream of fresh concepts and color palettes year after year. The author expresses particular pride in these seasonal features, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining originality.
"Wolfgang" also shone as a Valentine’s Day subject for the February 2013 issue. The photograph, featuring Wolfgang amidst pink feathers (the same ones Castiel later slept in), is considered one of the author’s top ten favorite rat pictures. This image exemplifies the effective use of props and the ability to capture a rat’s inherent sweetness in a festive context.
The April 2019 cover featured "Custer," Preacher’s brother, as the "Easter Ratty." The bunny ears worn by Custer were handmade and had appeared on several previous covers, demonstrating a sustainable approach to prop design. The author’s husband selected this particular image from a selection of favorite Easter photos, highlighting a collaborative effort in the magazine’s production.
"Sirius" proved to be a natural model for the October 2014 Halloween cover. The photograph, featuring Sirius in a metal pumpkin surrounded by candy corn, perfectly captured the envisioned Halloween aesthetic. The author reveals several interesting facts about this image: the candy corn hat was a DIY creation featured in a how-to article in 2017; a follower later got a large tattoo of the illustration of this photo, leading to a connection with the tattoo artist; and Sirius, despite his festive pose, did not get to eat the candy corn.
The December cover for IARW presented a unique challenge, often requiring a departure from the traditional red and green color palette. In 2016, the author discovered a wicker hat prop that perfectly complemented a pre-made top hat for "Winchester," Crowley and Castiel’s brother. This hat had been created nine years earlier for the author’s "heart rat," Delphiniums Blue, and used for a December 2008 cover. The discovery of the wicker hat provided an ideal opportunity for a cover feature, demonstrating a connection between past and present creative endeavors.
The author’s preference for softer palettes, particularly pink, influenced the direction of subsequent Christmas covers. The December 2018 cover featured "Preacher" seated within a clear, oversized ornament, surrounded by pink and gold decorations. This image achieved a whimsical, almost plush-like appearance for Preacher, leading many viewers to question if he was indeed real.
The final Christmas cover for IARW, published in December 2019, marked the magazine’s conclusion in July 2020. This cover embraced a "sugary, pastel wonderland" aesthetic. The author meticulously arranged an array of props, including candy and cookies, to create a visually appealing set. This elaborate setup proved remarkably effective, resulting in a high proportion of usable photographs from the shoot. The honor of being featured on this final cover went to "Gatwick," a nervous baby rat adopted just a month prior.
The author concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share these cherished memories and photographs. Many of these images are also available on merchandise in the author’s Zazzle shop, extending the legacy of "It’s a Rat’s World" and its beloved rodent stars. This extensive collection serves not only as a personal archive but also as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and affection involved in celebrating the unique bond between humans and their pet rats. The journey from a personal passion to a published magazine underscores the profound impact that dedicated storytelling and compelling visual content can have on a niche community.
