Just how desperate does a National Geographic photographer get if he hasn't made a good picture in a few days? Here's your answer. Assigned to cover Alaska's North Slope and all the creatures that make it tick, Joel decided to come up with a novel way to illustrate the tremendous number of mosquitoes there. This photo was taken about five minutes after he removed his boots. Small insects may be a nuisance, but are critical in anchoring the bottom of the food chain during the short summer season on the North Slope.