The sheer volume of digital photographs captured by individuals today is staggering, often extending to the minutiae of daily life. For Brandi Saxton, this photographic passion has been intrinsically linked to her professional life, specifically her thirteen-year tenure as the publisher and editor of "It’s a Rat’s World" (IARW), a monthly magazine dedicated to pet rats. The author’s personal digital archives reveal a remarkable collection of over 11,000 photos of her rats, a testament to the deep connection she forged with her subjects and the integral role photography played in her publication. This extensive visual record, spanning pre-digital eras to the present day, offers a unique window into the dedication required to produce a niche magazine and the evolving nature of pet ownership documentation.
The genesis of Saxton’s extensive photographic endeavor lies in the very foundation of "It’s a Rat’s World." Launched to cater to a growing community of rat enthusiasts, the magazine required a constant influx of high-quality imagery. Photography was not merely an illustrative component; it was a cornerstone of IARW’s identity. Images were essential for accompanying articles, adorning the magazine’s cover, and populating its social media presence, which actively engaged with a wider audience. The personal archive, meticulously curated over years, represents not just a collection of memories, but a professional output that shaped the perception and presentation of pet rats within a dedicated community.
Thematic Evolution of Cover Photography
A key element in Saxton’s editorial strategy was the introduction of monthly themes for the magazine’s cover and the "PapRATzi Page(s)," a popular section dedicated to reader-submitted photographs. This approach not only fostered reader participation but also provided a structured framework for generating compelling visual content. While holiday-themed issues were a natural fit, Saxton also devised accessible, everyday themes designed to encourage owners to capture their pets in relatable moments. These included activities such as grooming, sleeping, and eating, alongside more creative prompts like yawning, showcasing rat tails, and depicting rats interacting with their human companions, other pets, and even children. The inclusion of themes like "rats traveling" and "rats outside" further broadened the scope, reflecting the multifaceted lives of pet rats.
While Saxton readily admits to not being a professional photographer, her commitment to IARW’s visual appeal led to a discernible improvement in her photographic skills over time. The early years of the magazine, she notes, were characterized by less polished images, a sentiment that underscores the learning curve inherent in such a creative endeavor. However, by her own estimation, the covers evolved significantly, culminating in a body of work she regards with considerable pride. This retrospective exhibition of selected covers and candid moments aims to showcase this progression and celebrate the unique charm of her rat subjects.
Capturing the Serenity of Sleeping Rats
The inherent adorableness of rats is amplified when they are caught in a state of deep slumber. Saxton highlights "sleeping rats" as a particularly cherished theme, identifying it as the epitome of preciousness. The article showcases several examples, each with a unique narrative.
One striking image features Preacher, a rat captured in a deep sleep on his back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This candid shot, taken on Saxton’s birthday, offers a poignant glimpse into a moment of tranquility amidst global uncertainty. Saxton describes the scene: "Stuck isolating at home with just my husband and son, I spent the day watching movies with them and my rattie boys. Wanting to lift my spirits (at least this is what I tell myself), Preacher gifted me with a moment so irresistibly darling that it took everything in me not to disturb him with kisses all over his sweet face." The visual of Preacher napping, belly up with legs extended, his eyelids fluttering and nose twitching, evokes a sense of peace and unadulterated trust in his human caretakers, a sentiment particularly resonant during a period of widespread anxiety. This image, shared on social media, garnered significant positive engagement, underscoring the universal appeal of observing animals at rest.
Another featured photograph captures Brinley, a young rat known for his "back sleeper" tendencies, a behavior Saxton has documented extensively. This particular image, taken shortly after Brinley and his brother Moffett were adopted, is a personal favorite, even serving as one of the rotating home screen backgrounds on Saxton’s iPhone. The irony, she points out, is that while obtaining candid sleeping photos of these otherwise energetic "wiggle-monsters" was often easy, the moment a cover shoot was planned, they would invariably become wide awake and uncooperative. This observation speaks to the unpredictable nature of animal photography and the challenges of orchestrating perfect shots.
The theme of sleeping rats was notably used for the May 2012 issue of IARW. For this cover, Saxton opted for Brockton, a senior rat, rather than one of her younger subjects. The photograph, taken on Saxton’s bed, strategically utilized a blanket to conceal Brockton’s arthritic legs and patchy fur, common signs of aging in rats. This image, now one of Saxton’s most treasured photographs of Brockton, exemplifies her ability to create evocative imagery even with subjects facing age-related challenges. It serves as a poignant reminder that older pets, like Brockton, can still be the stars of compelling visual narratives. Saxton’s observation that rats often choose to nap precisely when owners desire them to be energetic for photos highlights a common frustration among pet photographers, underscoring the need for patience and adaptability.
A visually striking image of Castiel, a young white rat, sleeping soundly amidst a basket of pink feathers, also graces the article. This candid shot, taken during a Valentine’s Day photoshoot, was considered for the February 2016 cover but ultimately a photo of his brothers, Winchester and Crowley, was chosen. The image of Castiel nestled in the soft feathers offers a compelling aesthetic, demonstrating how unexpected props can contribute to a captivating visual. Saxton also shared a video of Castiel and his brothers interacting with the feathers, further engaging her audience with behind-the-scenes content.
The Art of Rat Dress-Up
Beyond candid moments, Saxton embraced the creative challenge of dressing her rats in costumes for cover photographs. This endeavor often involved intricate crafting, from hand-sewing felt to repurposing existing items. The article presents a selection of non-holiday themed photos showcasing rats in imaginative attire.
The release of the final "Star Wars" film saga in December 2015 sparked widespread excitement, prompting Saxton to dedicate the January 2016 issue of IARW to the franchise. The cover featured Sterling, a hairless rat, who Saxton likened to a "pink Yoda." A camel-colored cloak was meticulously crafted, and Yoda figurines from her son’s collection were incorporated into the scene. The dedication to theme extended to the background elements, with her son’s "Star Wars"-themed bedding and headboard subtly visible, showcasing a comprehensive thematic approach. This exemplifies how Saxton integrated her personal life and interests into the magazine’s content, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for readers.
Another notable costume featured a rat named Crowley, depicted wearing a knit hat and scarf. This ensemble was ingeniously created by repurposing winterwear from a small, rat-sized snowman plushie. By carefully removing the clothing and stitching a thin elastic strap to the hat, Saxton transformed ordinary items into a charming rat costume. Crowley, known for his natural modeling abilities, wore this outfit for the January 2018 cover and was a frequent subject on multiple IARW covers. His photogenic qualities made him a reliable choice for visually impactful spreads.
Crowley also donned a Scottish-themed ensemble for the October 2017 cover, featuring a tam o’ shanter and kilt. The tam, a small cap, was originally part of a whisky liqueur bottle purchased at Stirling Castle during a family trip to Scotland. Saxton ingeniously adapted it by adding an elastic strap and crafting a matching kilt and miniature bagpipes from flannel fabric. This creative process highlights Saxton’s resourcefulness and her ability to transform found objects into thematic props that enhanced the visual narrative of the magazine.
For the September 2012 cover, Saxton collaborated with Natasha Matherly, a regular columnist for IARW, to create an artist’s smock and beret for Wolfgang, a rat playfully nicknamed "Pablo Racasso." Saxton herself contributed by painting a miniature "Picassoesque" rat painting, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to thematic content creation. This collaboration underscores the supportive community that surrounded "It’s a Rat’s World," with contributors actively participating in its visual identity.
Festive Fashions: Holidays with Rats
The creation of holiday-themed covers presented a recurring creative challenge for Saxton, requiring a continuous stream of fresh concepts and color palettes. Her dedication to this aspect of IARW’s visual identity is evident in the array of festive photographs.
Wolfgang, another highly photogenic rat, proved to be an ideal subject for the February 2013 Valentine’s Day cover. Posed amongst pink feathers, the image captured a charming and endearing scene, becoming one of Saxton’s top ten favorite rat photographs. The use of the same feathers for Castiel’s sleeping photo three years later illustrates the continuity and resourcefulness in Saxton’s prop usage.
The April 2019 Easter cover featured Custer, Preacher’s brother, embodying the "Easter Ratty." Saxton herself crafted the bunny ears that adorned Custer, an accessory that reappeared on several subsequent covers. This highlights her commitment to DIY elements that added a personal touch to the magazine’s visuals.
Sirius was the star of the October 2014 Halloween cover, posing in a metal pumpkin surrounded by candy corn. This image, meticulously planned by Saxton, perfectly captured the intended Halloween spirit. The accompanying details reveal the depth of her involvement: she crafted the candy corn hat, later publishing a how-to guide for readers. Furthermore, a follower later created a significant tattoo of this image, a testament to its lasting impact and recognition within the community. Saxton also noted that Sirius did not consume the candy corn, ensuring his safety during the photoshoot.
The December 2015 Christmas cover featured Winchester in a wicker hat, a prop Saxton found in 2016. The hat itself held a special significance, having been made nine years earlier for her "heart rat," Delphiniums Blue, whose picture had graced a previous December cover. The discovery of the perfectly sized wicker hat immediately signaled its potential for another cover, demonstrating Saxton’s keen eye for thematic opportunities. This particular image was chosen for its softer palette, a departure from traditional red and green, reflecting Saxton’s preference for pink and a desire for aesthetic variety in holiday themes.
Preacher was featured in the December 2018 cover, which centered around a collection of ornaments. The idea was inspired by a glass ornament large enough for a rat to sit in, creating a unique visual. The photograph was so compelling that many online viewers questioned if Preacher was indeed real, a testament to the surreal and captivating quality of the image.
The final Christmas cover for IARW in December 2019, before the magazine ceased publication in July 2020, presented a pastel wonderland. This set, meticulously arranged with sugary props like candy and cookies, was created for the newly adopted baby rats. The magical ambiance of the set resulted in a remarkably high success rate for usable photos, making the selection of Gatwick, a nervous baby rat, a challenging yet ultimately rewarding decision. This final cover encapsulated Saxton’s artistic vision and her enduring affection for her rat companions.
Saxton’s extensive photographic collection, meticulously preserved and shared, serves as a valuable archive of her thirteen-year journey with "It’s a Rat’s World." It not only documents the evolution of her photographic skills but also showcases the creativity, dedication, and passion that fueled a niche publication and fostered a vibrant community of rat enthusiasts. The author’s personal reflections, coupled with the visual evidence, paint a vivid picture of a labor of love that continues to resonate with pet owners and photography enthusiasts alike. Many of these iconic images are also available on items in her Zazzle shop, extending the legacy of "It’s a Rat’s World" beyond the pages of the magazine.
