A squirrel peers over a camera as if checking the shot. Another lifts a snowball over its head. Two more stretch up towards a flying pine cone like a pair of tiny volleyball players. Russian nature photographer Vadim Trunov made this winter series in a snowy forest clearing, and the pictures were soon picked up by Bored Panda and the Daily Mail.
How Vadim Trunov took the squirrel photos
Trunov's method was simple and patient. He left food in a clearing to bring the squirrels in, set up his props and waited. The camera on its little tripod, the snowballs and the pine cones did the rest: once a squirrel stands next to a camera, our brains immediately cast it as a photographer.
The "volleyball" and "snowman" scenes have a down-to-earth explanation. It was winter, the squirrels were hungry, and the animals reaching for a cone or a nut were competing for food. Good timing turned a squabble into a sports photo.
The camera crew scenes
The camera frames are the most famous of the set. A squirrel leaning over the viewfinder, another leaping across the top of the camera, and a small bird perched nearby as the apparent "client" all make the joke work. Soft, out-of-focus backgrounds keep attention on the paws, ear tufts and the warm fur against the pale snow.
Red squirrels in a Russian winter
The tufted tree squirrel of Russia's forests is the Eurasian red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris. A few facts explain why it is such a good winter subject:
- No hibernation. Red squirrels stay active all winter, though they may shelter in the nest for several days in severe weather.
- Bigger ear tufts. The tufts grow noticeably longer in winter, which gives the animals their extra character in snowy photos.
- Two moults a year. The winter coat is thicker and darker. Some Siberian populations turn pale grey.
- Cone specialists. Their diet is mainly tree seeds, especially from conifer cones, plus nuts and acorns. Surplus food is cached in autumn in the ground or in tree holes.
- Small and light. Head and body measure about 19–23 cm, with a 15–20 cm tail, and an adult weighs only 250–340 g.
Winter is also the hardest season. Most young squirrels die in their first winter, and those that survive it live about three years on average. That makes a reliable food source very attractive, which is why a clearing with a few nuts draws them out so readily.
Snowballs, a snowman and flying pine cones
The snow scenes build on the same visual trick. A round white shape between two paws reads as a snowball. Put it on top of another ball and the squirrel seems to be finishing a snowman. A tiny three-ball snowman with an orange nose sits beside one of the animals as a character-sized companion.
The pine-cone frames are about split-second timing. Stretched bodies, lifted paws and a cone hanging in mid-air create a little drama inside each frame, and the clean snowy background keeps the movement easy to follow.
Photographing squirrels and other wildlife responsibly
Trunov also shoots macro nature photography, and his eye for posture and background is the part worth copying. Use a longer lens, give animals room to move and follow local rules. The US National Park Service's wildlife-watching guidance explains why feeding wild animals in parks causes problems, so check the rules wherever you are before putting out any food.
More of his work is on his 500px portfolio and 35photo page. For more snowy fun, browse 30 creative snowman ideas, try finding Liezel Kennedy’s sheep in a snowy Saskatchewan field, or watch the viral penguin relationship story.
This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!
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