I want to take pictures of Duncan (ferret) when he is sleeping because he gets into all kinds of weird positions but I have to shoot through the cage it's the only place he will sleep. The "bars" are about 1 inch apart. I have tried reducing the depth of field to blur them as much as possible but was wondering if there are any other tricks.

Also is there any way to reduce the mirror noise when the picture is taken? I have an old camera and it's pretty loud although he is a very sound sleeper. :)

Thanks

Unfotunately I don't think there's much you can do about the bars, try sticking your lense through the cage opening is the only thing I can think of.

You're camera, being an older model, should have a mirror lock up. Just compose your shot then lock the mirror up. The only sound your camera will make will be the movement of the shutter.

Good luck.