I started with an empty frame and then chose my props but they sat too low in the frame so I supported them on CD's covered with black paper.
I then placed the rat and crumbled crackers and cheese in the foreground.
Suddenly, the frame, fruit and rat went toppling to the ground. I had to start all over.

Got it all set up again and I lit the candle. Took a few shots and then heard a knock at the door. I looked out from the loft,
did not recognize the person and decided not to answer the door for fear the frame might fall, knock over the candle and then set the house on fire.

Finally I got the shot!

(This was done with lightpainting.)