Unpublished work // I’ll continue on the storytelling thread here with another photo series focused on field biology work directed towards a better understanding of a local bird species here in Montana - the harlequin duck. Like the images in my previous post, these images weren’t taken on assignment, but rather the access and reason for being there was to contribute as a biologist with the survey. There’s a specific balance needed while being asked to be part of a team conducting actual field work and also taking photographs throughout. Clear communication upfront is needed so no one gets annoyed or taken by surprise when you start taking photos. All of the images that I take, while on assignment or otherwise, are always available to the scientists I work with for their presentations, reports and scientific papers. Yes, this is not a sustainable model since most of the work is either unpaid or you’re being paid as a biologist, but the value in the practice and honing your skills as an aspiring photographer is priceless. ⁣ ⁣ Photo 1 - A female harlequin duck with two males in pursuit during the breeding season.⁣ Photo 2 - Sense of place in the mountains of Montana where harlequin ducks breed.⁣ Photo 3 - MT State Avian Biologist Kristina Smucker searching for ducks. ⁣ Photo 4 - A male harlequin duck at home in the fast moving mountain river. ⁣ Photo 5 - With ducks spotted up stream, the team prepares to setup a capture net.⁣ Photo 6 - Stringing the net across the river.⁣ Photo 7 - Measuring the beak of a female harlequin duck.⁣ Photo 8 - Kristina Smucker weighing a male harlequin. ⁣ Photo 9 - A male harlequin before release.⁣ Photo 10 - A male harlequin duck resting on the edge of a mountain river.⁣ ⁣ Always think about the variety of images you need to create a story: scene setting, characters, action, detail, portrait, and closing to name a few. Even if you think a simply as a tight, medium and wide image of a scene you are doing well.