For the past four years, photographerDean Masonhas used an unusual model as his musea harvest mouse.
These pint-sized rodents have large ears and eyes, as well as short whiskers that make them quite photogenic.
Mason photographs these active mice as they scurry up thin plant stems and balance expertly in tiny flower blossoms.
How do they do it?
They’ve even evolved a partially opposable outer toe that helps grip thin stems.
For Mason, this athletic ability is just part of what makes them incredible to photograph.
And when combined with their curious personalities and love of people, harvest mice really are the perfect models.
They make you smile due to their sheer size and behavior, Mason tells My Modern Met.
Photographing them is an absolute joy albeit very challenging as they tend to move rather quickly when active!
In fact, Mason loves these small critters so much that he’s based his whole business around them.
HisWindows on Wildliferunsphotography workshopsthat allow others to experience the joy of photographing the fascinating animals.
And for Mason, that’s one of the great satisfactions of his work.
I can ask no more than that!