How to Photograph Hamsters

Because of their small size and huge attitudes, photographing your pet hamsters can take more time and effort than you'd think. The bigger hamsters, like the Syrian (Golden) are easier than the dwarf hamster species to photograph. Hamsters are not into formal portraits, so it's easier to get a good picture of them when they are on the move. Unless your hamster is really calm to new situations, photograph within a small, contolled area such as being held or in a cage.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hamster
• Cage or hamster toy
• Treats for hamster
• Human helper (optional, but recommended)
• 35mm camera with zoom lens or function
• 200 speed film or higher
• OR
• Digital camera with ultra zoom function
• Memory card for digital camera

1. Let your hamster see the camera close up to sniff it. Put it in front of your face as if you were going to take a picture. This way, the hamster will get used to your weird appearence.

2. Pick a time when your hamster is awake, unless you want a picture of your hamster sleeping. They are nocturnal critters. It helps to have a human helper to make sure the hamster doesn't escape or to help hold the hamster, if you want.

3. Place your hamster in a hamster toy like a hamster race car or leave in cage and wait until he or she moves to a clear part of the cage. Either that, or keep in a very small area such as an open-lidded tote box. Move this so the light is behind you.

4. Keep at least two feet away from the hamster and turn on the zoom function. If it's a manual camera, then adjust your zoom lens.

5. Give your hamster a treat if he or she won't stay still.

6. Take as many pictures as possible to get at least one decent picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Although some hamsters are never startled by a camera held to your face, some find it very frightening. This is why you should condition your hamster to seeing a camera.
• Black hamsters are hardest to photograph. They need cross-lighting to not make them appear like a smudge.
• Ideally, you want the background to be a differnt color than your hamster so they stand out more.
• Keep the session less than 10 minutes long, or the hamster will get restless.
• Don't take your hamster outside for a photograph session, unless they stay in their cages. They will escape otherwise.
• Don't make your hamster do a photo session when you want to. They will bite and be otherwise uncooperative.
• Never wake up a deeply sleeping hamster. This really annoys them and stresses them out.
• Don't use instant cameras or a flash. Rely on lamps or the sun instead.

Resources

• Food for your hamster
• Ultra zoom digital camera ratings
• Hamster picture taking?
• Lighting 101: Cross Lighting