Capturing Cute Photos of Squirrels with Nuts

Squirrels make for an adorable photo subject, especially when they are holding or eating nuts. Their fluffy tails, perky ears, and nimble movements make them a delight to observe and photograph As a nature photographer, I love taking pictures of these bushy-tailed critters going about their nut gathering and eating habits.

In this article, I’ll share tips on how to capture delightful photos of squirrels with nuts. From locating these photogenic rodents to camera settings and composition ideas, you’ll learn insider techniques to get magazine-worthy squirrel nut photos.

Finding Squirrels Feasting on Nuts

The first step is locating active squirrels in nut season. Here are some prime spots:

• Parks with oak, hickory, pine and other nut trees
• College campuses or neighborhoods with mature trees
• Nature preserves and wildlife areas

I’ve had the best luck photographing squirrels at dawn or dusk as they are more active But you can spot them any time of day really if you know where to look,

Scan the ground around base of trees to see freshly fallen nuts or pinecones. Check for half eaten acorns or shells left behind – signs that squirrels are in the area. Also look up in the tree branches and along overhead telephone wires which squirrels use as highways.

Once you spot a bushy tailed nut lover, be patient. Have your camera ready to capture the squirrel scampering down a tree, sitting pretty with a nut in its paws, or awkwardly trying to stuff a giant acorn in its mouth.

Camera Settings for Photographing Squirrels

Since squirrels move quickly, choose a fast shutter speed like 1/500s or higher to freeze the action. Squirrels leap acrobatically between branches and a high speed will crisply capture them mid-air. Also shoot in burst mode to rattle off sequential shots and increase your chances of getting “the shot.”

Aperture isn’t as important since squirrels are generally not too far away. But go with a narrower aperture like f/8 to get their entire fluffy body in focus.

Ideally use a longer lens like a 70-200mm or 100-400mm. The extra working distance prevents you from spooking them as you approach. Zoom in to isolate adorable tight shots of them holding nuts in their tiny claw hands or stuffing their furry cheeks.

Squirrels are most active on bright days so sunshine that enhances their rich red fur is ideal. But slightly overcast days also work nicely for preventing harsh shadows in forested settings.

Composing Great Squirrel Nut Photos

Now for some photographic composition tips:

• Capture personality – Include their amusing facial expressions. A head-on or profile view reveals their huge inquisitive eyes best.

• Focus on the paws – Zoom in close on their tiny claws clutching an acorn or pinecone. This emphasizes how small and nimble squirrels really are.

• Catch peak action – Time your shots to peak moments – right when they pounce from a branch, fully extend their bodies to reach a nut, or squeeze a big nut in their mouth.

• Shoot low angles – Get down low to the ground and shoot upwards as squirrels sit nibbling nuts on a log or tree trunk. This perspective highlights their bushy tails and gives the scene depth.

• Include leaves/nuts – Compose your frame so fallen leaves, acorn caps, pine needles, or other nuts are visible to reinforce it’s autumn and prime nutting time.

• Try creative framing – Frame your squirrel with foliage, branches, fences, weathered wood – anything to add visual interest to the background. Get creative!

Post Processing Squirrel Photos

A few quick post processing tips to make your photos pop:

• Warm up the white balance and add golden hour light to enhance the autumn feeling.

• Brush over pinecones, acorns, nuts, and leaves with saturation to make them vibrant.

• Boost contrast slightly to add definition to their fur.

• Sharpen squirrel eyes and other key points of focus.

• Darken the edges using vignettes to make your cute squirrel the clear focal point.

Final Tips for Fabulous Squirrel Nut Photos

Patience and persistence are key to getting great squirrel nut shots. It takes time for them to let you into their world. I’ve spent many hours observing and photographing “my squirrels” until they’ve tolerated my presence.

Move slowly and speak softly if approaching bushy tails for close ups. They’ll quickly scamper away if you rush at them. Let them get comfortable with you over multiple encounters. Offering treats like peanuts or walnuts helps gain their trust too.