Photo Analysis: The Squirrel

Photo by: @miromarsik

Let’s Analyse this Photo

Composition

Positives:

• The squirrel is perfectly placed in the frame—right where your eyes naturally go. It’s a great use of the rule of thirds!

• The branches and leaves work really well to frame the squirrel.

• The blurred leaves in the foreground and background add depth and make the photo feel more three-dimensional.

Negatives:

• Some of the leaves in the front overlap the squirrel a bit, which is a little distracting. It would’ve been even stronger if the subject had a completely clear view.

• The frame feels a bit busy overall, with so many leaves fighting for attention. A slight crop or repositioning could help simplify things and keep the focus on the squirrel.

Lighting

Positives:

• The golden light is gorgeous—it lights up the squirrel’s fur beautifully and gives it a soft, glowing effect.

• The backlighting creates a lovely halo around the squirrel, making it pop against the background.

• The mix of light and shadow on the leaves gives the scene a dynamic, natural vibe.

Negatives:

• Some parts of the background are a bit overexposed, especially where the light is strongest. It pulls attention away from the squirrel.

• The squirrel’s face could use a bit more light to bring out its features and expression better (in animal photography it’s all about the eyes).

Atmosphere

Positives:

• This photo very peaceful.

• The warm, golden tones and the playful squirrel give it a very cozy feel.

Negatives:

• The peaceful atmosphere is slightly interrupted by the busy background. If there were fewer distractions, it would feel even calmer and more focused.

Color Palette

Positives:

• The mix of warm golden light and green is stunning. It feels vibrant but still very natural.

• The squirrel’s reddish fur adds a nice contrast to the greens and yellows, making it visually interesting and pop.

Negatives:

• The squirrel’s color blends into the warm tones of the background a bit too much. Boosting the contrast slightly would help it stand out more.

Timing & Storytelling

Positives:

• Capturing the squirrel in the middle of eating adds so much life and personality to the shot.

• The timing is spot-on—the way the light catches the squirrel and the leaves makes the moment feel extra special.

Negatives:

• There’s no major "action" here, which is fine for this kind of image, but maybe capturing the squirrel mid-jump or with more interaction could make it even more dynamic