A wildlife photographer has recently blown people away with his latest shots. He's captured squirrels in all manner of surreal positions - and now he's explained how he got the incredible shots.
Squirrels are pretty cool, right?
Well, this one eating an acorn-taco is pretty cool, anyway.The thing with squirrels is they're really fast.
It's difficult to catch them close up because they run away devilishly quick.But they're no competition for Max Ellis.
This is one dude who doesn't seem to have much trouble capturing squirrels in the wild.There are some skillful squirrel photographers out there.
This picture of a flying red squirrel by Dick Van Dujin is breathtaking (and if you think this is impressive, wait till you see the next few shots!).Max Ellis is an exceptionally talented wildlife photographer.
He tends to focus primarily on different breeds of deer.But there's a particular series of pictures that has really captured the internet's attention.
via: Max Ellis
Ellis has been capturing hilarious (and slightly surreal) images of squirrels.They're really amazing.
via: Max Ellis
And many naturally assumed that these images simply must be faked.But they aren't!
via: Max Ellis
And now Ellis has revealed to UNILAD how he captured these incredible shots.He's spent years finessing his technique.
via: Max Ellis
And is not willing to let any photo editing software take credit for his talent!He's captured squirrels doing all sorts of strange activities.
via: Max Ellis
They look like shots of mini humans!But these are just regular old squirrels.
via: Max Ellis
They're not specially trained - just curious!So rather than editing the pics...
via: Max Ellis
Ellis just allowed the animals' natural curiosity do the work.He just put out the props...
via: Max Ellis
And waited until the squirrels couldn't resist any longer.Sometimes he uses nuts to tempt them.
via: Max Ellis
But often, the squirrels are interested enough without the need for food.It's a painstaking process.
via: Max Ellis
He often has to wait days until the squirrels begin to interact with the props.
But there was one picture in particular which captured the internet's attention.
via: Max Ellis
The infamous shot shows a squirrel struggling with an umbrella on a gusty day.And he's revealed how he got the shot.
via: Max Ellis
"I often build a shelter for the squirrels on rainy days and I’d left the umbrella up.""The squirrels are used to poking around looking for nuts in anything I leave out, and eventually one got into the right position."
via: Max Ellis
"I’d set up a platform with dead leaves on it next to the umbrella… to [add] a bit of context, as you can’t see wind.""You’ve got to have the right weather and the right animals who are comfortable with the props."
via: Max Ellis
"I edit very little. At most I get rid of any fishing line or wire as it’s distracting.""That’s one of the most annoying things, everyone thinks I simply Photoshop these images together – that would be a lot easier!"
via: Max Ellis
What an incredible talent! And for more amazing animal photography, scroll on for one grandma and her pet dog.