The art of pet photography, particularly for unconventional companions like rats, offers a unique window into the human-animal bond. For Brandi Saxton, this passion evolved from a personal hobby into a professional endeavor, culminating in the publication of "It’s a Rat’s World" (IARW), a monthly magazine dedicated to rat enthusiasts. Saxton’s personal collection, boasting over 11,000 photos of her beloved rats, serves as a testament to the dedication and creativity involved in capturing the essence of these often-misunderstood animals. This article explores the evolution of rat photography as a significant element of pet communication and community building, drawing on Saxton’s extensive experience and the rich visual archive she has curated over more than a decade.
The Genesis of a Rat Photography Empire
Saxton’s journey into the world of rat photography began long before the digital age fully embraced photo sharing. Her initial efforts were documented on physical film, a significant portion of which has since been lost to technological obsolescence. This highlights a broader challenge faced by many pet owners: the ephemeral nature of digital storage and the vulnerability of older media formats. The sheer volume of photos—11,288 currently on her phone, with an untold number archived elsewhere—underscores a common sentiment among pet lovers: an overwhelming desire to document every precious moment. While not all these images meet professional standards, Saxton emphasizes that the sentimental value often outweighs photographic perfection. This inclination to preserve memories, even imperfect ones, speaks to the profound emotional connection people develop with their pets.
The professionalization of Saxton’s hobby was intrinsically linked to the founding of "It’s a Rat’s World" magazine. For 13 years, photography was not merely a supplementary element but a core component of each issue. Beyond providing visuals for social media platforms like Instagram, photographs were essential for accompanying articles and, most importantly, gracing the magazine’s covers. This sustained demand for high-quality imagery likely spurred Saxton’s growth as a photographer, pushing her to experiment with themes, lighting, and composition.
Curating Themed Covers: A Creative Challenge
A key innovation introduced by Saxton for IARW was the implementation of monthly themes for the cover image and "The PapRATzi Page(s)," a section dedicated to reader submissions. This strategy not only provided a consistent creative framework but also encouraged reader engagement by presenting achievable photographic challenges. Holiday-themed months were a natural fit, but Saxton also devised more accessible themes for the rest of the year. Categories such as "grooming," "sleeping," and "eating" tapped into everyday rat behaviors, while others like "yawning," "rat tails," "rats and their friends," "rats with other pets," "rats and their people," "rats traveling," and "rats outside" offered a broader spectrum of photographic opportunities.
While Saxton readily admits she is not a professional photographer, the progression of her work over the years is evident. The early covers, she acknowledges, were a learning process. However, through consistent practice and a keen eye for composition, her cover photography significantly improved. The pride she takes in these images is palpable, and her desire to share a selection of these covers, along with candid moments that could have graced the front page, forms the core of her reflection.
The Art of Capturing Sleep: A Window into Rat Tranquility
The section dedicated to "Sleeping Rats" highlights a particularly endearing aspect of rat behavior. Saxton describes a sleeping rat as the "very definition of preciousness," a sentiment many pet owners would readily agree with. The article features several striking images that exemplify this theme:
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Preacher the Rat: A candid shot captured during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this image depicts Preacher sleeping on his back, a moment of pure tranquility amidst global uncertainty. Saxton recounts how this scene, with Preacher’s eyelids fluttering and nose twitching, offered a much-needed sense of joy and trust during a chaotic time. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the comfort and emotional support pets provide, especially during periods of isolation and stress.
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Brinley the Rat: This photograph showcases baby Brinley, known for his "back sleeper" tendencies, a trait Saxton has noted in previous writings. The image, which has become a rotating home screen picture on her iPhone, illustrates the unique sleeping postures of rats. Saxton humorously notes the irony that while capturing a sleeping rat is usually easy, they become remarkably uncooperative precisely when a cover shot is desired.
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Brockton the Rat: Featured on the May 2012 cover, this image of senior rat Brockton sleeping is a personal favorite. Saxton used a blanket to conceal his arthritic legs and patchy fur, focusing instead on his peaceful repose. This photo underscores Saxton’s ability to adapt her photography to the needs of her subjects, celebrating them at every stage of life. The contrast between the desire for energetic photos and the reality of a rat’s napping schedule is a recurring theme.
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Castiel the Rat: This image captures baby Castiel sleeping soundly amidst pink feathers, a scene intended for a Valentine’s Day shoot. While not chosen for the February 2016 cover, it highlights Saxton’s resourcefulness in using props and capturing unexpected moments of charm. The use of feathers as a cozy nest is a visual delight.
These examples demonstrate Saxton’s ability to find beauty and narrative in the seemingly mundane. The sleeping rat, often overlooked, becomes a symbol of peace, trust, and the simple joys of companionship.
Rat Dress-Up: A Whimsical Exploration of Creativity
The "Rat Dress-Up" section reveals Saxton’s inventive spirit and dedication to creating visually engaging content. The process of dressing rats in costumes, often involving intricate crafting and repurposing of materials, demonstrates a significant commitment to her art and her publication.
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Star Wars Theme: For the January 2016 issue, inspired by the release of the final "Star Wars" saga film, Saxton transformed her hairless rats into characters reminiscent of Yoda. Sterling, a hairless rat, was outfitted in a camel-colored cloak, posing alongside Yoda figures. The dedication extended to the background, with Saxton’s son’s Star Wars-themed bedding and headboard adding an immersive touch. This theme highlights the integration of pop culture into pet photography, making it relatable and engaging for a wider audience.
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Winter Ensemble: The image of Crowley the rat modeling a knit hat and scarf, originally part of a snowman plushie, showcases Saxton’s knack for repurposing. This ensemble, adapted for rat-sized wear, became a recurring motif and appeared on the January 2018 cover. Crowley’s natural modeling ability, as noted by Saxton, made him a frequent cover star.
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Scottish Heritage: Crowley is featured again, this time as a Scotsman for the October 2017 cover. The inspiration for this costume came from a whisky liqueur bottle purchased at Stirling Castle, which featured a tiny tam o’ shanter. Saxton ingeniously crafted an elastic strap for the hat and a matching kilt from flannel, even creating non-functioning bagpipes. This meticulous attention to detail underscores her commitment to thematic accuracy and creative storytelling.
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Artistic Prowess: For the September 2012 cover, Saxton commissioned a special artist smock and beret for Wolfgang, affectionately nicknamed "Pablo Racasso." While her sewing skills were limited, she personally painted a small Picasso-esque rat painting to complement the theme. This collaboration with a magazine columnist demonstrates the network of talent involved in producing IARW.
These dress-up scenarios highlight the playful and imaginative dimension of rat ownership and photography. They also reveal Saxton’s talent for storytelling through visual mediums, transforming her rats into characters that resonate with themes and cultural moments.
Holidays with Rats: Seasonal Spectacles
The "Holidays With Rats" section showcases Saxton’s impressive ability to create unique and captivating seasonal imagery year after year. The challenge of developing fresh concepts and color schemes for each holiday underscores the sustained creativity required for a long-running publication.
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Valentine’s Day: Wolfgang the rat, a photogenic subject, perfectly embodied the spirit of Valentine’s Day for the February 2013 issue. Posed amongst pink feathers, this image is cited as one of Saxton’s top ten favorite rat photos. The reuse of the same feathers for Castiel’s sleepy pose years later adds a subtle layer of continuity.
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Easter: Custer the rat, portrayed as the "Easter Ratty" for the April 2019 cover, sports handmade bunny ears. Saxton’s husband selected this image from a collection of favorites, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the magazine’s content. The versatility of the Easter ears, which appeared on multiple covers, speaks to Saxton’s efficiency in prop creation.
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Halloween: Sirius the rat’s Halloween portrayal for the October 2014 cover was a precise realization of Saxton’s vision. He is depicted in a metal pumpkin adorned with candy corn, wearing a handmade candy corn hat. The enduring impact of this image is evidenced by a follower’s 2024 tattoo of the illustration, a testament to its lasting appeal and Saxton’s connection with her audience. The detail about Sirius not being allowed to eat the candy corn provides a touch of realism to the staged scene.
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Christmas: The Christmas covers offer a particularly rich tapestry of creativity. Winchester the rat is featured in a December cover shot, posing in a wicker hat that perfectly complements his own. Saxton reveals that the hat was made nine years prior for her "heart rat" Delphiniums Blue and had previously graced a December 2008 cover. This layering of history within the images adds depth to her narrative. The shift towards a "softer palette" and a love for pink is evident in the final two Christmas covers, moving away from traditional red and green.
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Ornamental Charm: Preacher the rat’s appearance in a clear ornament for the December 2018 cover is highlighted for its ability to make him appear almost plush. The "sugary, pastel wonderland" created for the final 2019 Christmas cover, featuring baby rats amidst candy and cookie props, was a labor of love. The success of this set, resulting in a high usability rate for photos, is attributed to the magical atmosphere it created. Gatwick, a nervous baby rat, ultimately earned the coveted cover spot.
Saxton’s dedication to these holiday themes demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of visual storytelling and audience engagement. Each cover is not merely a photograph but a carefully constructed narrative, imbued with creativity, personal connection, and a deep appreciation for her rat companions.
Broader Implications and the Legacy of Rat Photography
The extensive photographic work undertaken for "It’s a Rat’s World" has significant implications for the broader understanding and perception of rats as pets. In a society where rats are often associated with negative stereotypes, Saxton’s visual narrative consistently portrays them as intelligent, affectionate, and photogenic companions. The sheer volume of high-quality images has undoubtedly contributed to a more positive and nuanced public image of these animals.
Furthermore, Saxton’s approach to themed photography has set a benchmark for pet-focused publications and social media content. The success of her creative concepts, from pop culture mashups to seasonal celebrations, demonstrates the potential for engaging audiences through imaginative and well-executed visual storytelling. The accessibility of some of her photographic techniques, like the DIY elements of the Halloween candy corn hat, also empowers other pet owners to explore their own creative endeavors.
The preservation of this extensive photo archive, though fragmented across different digital and physical media, represents a valuable historical record of rat ownership and advocacy. As technology continues to evolve, the challenge of maintaining and accessing such archives will persist. However, the legacy of Brandi Saxton’s rat photography extends beyond mere documentation; it is a vibrant celebration of the human-animal bond, a testament to the artistic possibilities within pet ownership, and a powerful tool for changing perceptions and fostering a greater appreciation for these remarkable creatures. Her Zazzle shop, offering items featuring her photography, further solidifies this legacy by allowing enthusiasts to carry a piece of this visual narrative into their own lives.
