The sheer volume of digital photographs captured by individuals worldwide is staggering. For some, this photographic archive serves as a personal repository of memories, a testament to cherished moments and beloved companions. For Brandi Saxton, a former publisher and editor, this sentiment is amplified by an extraordinary collection of over 11,000 images dedicated to her rats, a passion that evolved into a significant professional endeavor. This extensive visual history, spanning over a decade, not only documents the lives of her own beloved pets but also formed the cornerstone of "It’s A Rat’s World" (IARW), a monthly magazine that celebrated the unique appeal of rats as companions.
Saxton’s journey into rat photography began not as a hobbyist, but as a necessity for her publication. For 13 years, IARW was a dedicated platform for rat enthusiasts, and photography was an indispensable element of its content. Beyond the visual appeal for social media and accompanying articles, compelling cover imagery was crucial for the magazine’s identity and marketability. This need spurred Saxton to develop a keen eye for capturing the essence of her furry subjects, transforming her personal passion into a professional pursuit.
The Genesis of a Themed Approach to Rat Photography
Early in the magazine’s publication, Saxton recognized the potential for engaging readers through thematic photography. This led to the establishment of "The PapRATzi Page(s)," a dedicated section for reader submissions, often centered around monthly themes. While holidays provided natural inspiration, Saxton also devised more accessible themes to encourage widespread participation. These included everyday activities such as grooming, sleeping, and eating, as well as more creative prompts like yawning, showcasing rat tails, and interactions with other pets or humans. This approach not only fostered a sense of community among readers but also highlighted the diverse and often overlooked behaviors of rats.
Saxton readily admits to not being a professional photographer, especially in the initial years of IARW. However, through consistent practice and dedication, her photographic skills demonstrably improved. The covers of "It’s A Rat’s World" evolved from amateur snapshots to polished, evocative images, a testament to her growth and commitment. This article delves into a curated selection of these photographs, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind them and the candid moments that often made for the most compelling visuals.
The Art of Capturing Sleep: A Study in Rat Tranquility
The inherent adorableness of rats is amplified when they are observed in a state of deep slumber. Saxton’s collection features numerous instances of this, with the "Sleeping Rats" category highlighting the profound peace and vulnerability of these creatures.
One particularly poignant image captures "Preacher," a rat, sleeping belly-up on his back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This candid shot, taken on Saxton’s birthday, offers a moment of respite amidst the 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. Napping, belly up with his legs straight in the air, his eyelids fluttered, and his nose twitched, all while dreaming whatever it is that rats dream." The image encapsulates a profound sense of trust and contentment, a much-needed antidote to the surrounding chaos.
Another notable photograph features "Brinley," a young rat, sleeping soundly on towels. Brinley and his brother, Moffett, were known for their unique habit of sleeping on their backs, a trait Saxton has often documented. This image, which has even served as a rotating home screen on her iPhone, exemplifies the endearing quirks of pet rats. Saxton humorously notes the irony that while capturing a sleeping rat is relatively easy, attempting to photograph them in a cooperative pose for a cover often results in them being wide awake and uncooperative.
The photograph of "Brockton," a senior rat, sleeping peacefully with his head resting on a stuffed toy, evokes a sense of gentle nostalgia. This image graced the cover of the May 2012 issue of IARW, themed around sleeping rats. Saxton intentionally chose Brockton, a senior rat, for the cover, using a blanket to discreetly conceal his arthritic legs and patchy fur. The photo shoot took place on her bed, a setting conducive to lulling the old gentleman to sleep. This image remains one of Saxton’s most cherished portraits of Brockton, underscoring the emotional connection she shared with her rats. The recurring theme is the paradoxical nature of photographing them: moments of serene sleep are captured effortlessly, while active poses for professional use often prove elusive.
A particularly charming image of "Castiel," a young rat, showcases him nestled amongst pink feathers, seemingly finding them irresistible for a nap. While this moment was not ultimately used for the February 2016 cover, which featured Castiel’s brothers, Winchester and Crowley, it highlights the spontaneous and often delightful interactions that occurred during photography sessions.
The Creative Frontier: Rat Dress-Up and Thematic Covers
Beyond candid moments, Saxton’s editorial work involved a significant amount of creative staging and costuming. The "Rat Dress-Up" section illustrates the ingenuity and dedication required to produce visually engaging covers. This often involved intricate hand-sewing, repurposing everyday items, and a considerable amount of patience on the part of both the photographer and her subjects.
The release of the final "Star Wars" film episodes in December 2015 provided an opportune theme for the January 2016 issue. Saxton, inspired by the franchise, decided to dedicate the cover to it. Her hairless rats, with their pinkish hue, reminded her of the character Yoda. She crafted a cloak for her rat, "Sterling," and incorporated Yoda figures from her son’s collection. The dedication extended to her son’s "Star Wars"-themed bedding and headboard, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to the theme.
Another notable costume featured "Crowley," a rat, adorned in a miniature knitted hat and scarf. This ensemble, originally part of a snowman plushie, was ingeniously adapted by Saxton. The hat, with a thin elastic strap, allowed for easy placement on a rat’s head. Crowley, known for his natural modeling abilities, was featured in this attire for the January 2018 cover and appeared on numerous subsequent covers.
A particularly elaborate costume involved "Crowley" portraying a Scotsman for the October 2017 cover. This was inspired by a miniature tam o’ shanter found atop a whisky liqueur bottle during a family trip to Scotland. Saxton further embellished this by crafting a matching kilt and even non-functioning bagpipes from flannel fabric. This dedication to thematic detail underscores the passion and effort invested in each issue.
The "Picasso" themed cover, featuring "Wolfgang" the rat, showcases a different approach to costuming. For this September 2012 issue, Saxton commissioned a custom-made artist’s smock and beret from Natasha Matherly, a regular columnist for IARW. Saxton herself contributed by painting a miniature "Picassoesque" rat painting for the scene, humorously dubbing Wolfgang "Pablo Racasso."
Celebrating the Calendar: Holidays with Rats
The cyclical nature of holidays provided a constant source of inspiration for IARW’s cover themes. Saxton took pride in her ability to develop fresh concepts and color palettes for these recurring celebrations year after year.
For Valentine’s Day, "Wolfgang" was photographed in a nest of pink feathers, a playful and charming scene for the February 2013 cover. Saxton identifies this as one of her top ten favorite rat photographs. She also noted a fun fact: the same feathers later served as a cozy resting place for Castiel three years later.
The April 2019 cover featured "Custer," a rat, dressed as the Easter Ratty, complete with handmade bunny ears. This image, chosen by her husband from a collection of favorite Easter photos, exemplifies the charmingly whimsical approach taken for holiday themes.
Halloween proved to be a particularly creative period. The October 2014 cover featured "Sirius" in a metal pumpkin surrounded by candy corn. Saxton details the creation of the candy corn hat, which was later featured in a how-to article. She also shared the remarkable story of a follower who got a giant tattoo of this image, leading to an online friendship with the tattoo artist. She humorously added that Sirius did not get to eat all the candy corn used in the shoot.
Christmas covers often showcased a more refined aesthetic. For the December 2015 issue, "Winchester" was photographed wearing a hat that perfectly complemented a wicker prop. Saxton revealed that the hat was originally made for her "heart rat," Delphiniums Blue, nine years prior for a December 2008 cover. The discovery of the matching wicker hat in 2016 presented an irresistible opportunity for a repeat cover.
Saxton expressed a preference for softer palettes for her Christmas covers, moving away from traditional red and green. The December 2018 cover featured "Preacher" nestled within a large glass ornament, surrounded by pastel ornaments. The image was so realistic that online viewers questioned if Preacher was alive.
The final Christmas cover for IARW in December 2019, before the magazine ceased publication in July 2020, was a meticulously styled pastel wonderland. Saxton described it as a "sugary, pastel wonderland" filled with candy, cookies, and other goodies. This set, which she still has in storage, was used to photograph four adopted baby rats. The magical ambiance of the set resulted in a remarkably high usability rate for the photos, making the selection of "Gatwick," a nervous baby rat, for the coveted cover spot a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision.
Saxton concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share these cherished memories and photographs, many of which are also available on merchandise in her Zazzle shop. This extensive collection serves not only as a testament to her dedication as a publisher and photographer but also as a vibrant chronicle of the often-underappreciated charm and personality of pet rats.
