First Day, in many ways!

 

For ten years now I have participated in First Day hikes as a volunteer photographer, capturing the beauty and spirit of these outdoor events. My journey began in 2017 when I received my first invitation from the Forest Society to join them at Creek Farm one of several Forest Society lands that share trails with land in the NH State Park system.


After volunteering two new years at Creek Farm, I joined the team at Monadnock in 2020, a year that was notably affected by an ice storm, adding a unique beauty to the day.


In 2021, I embarked on my own First Day hike, climbing Mt Major, another trail-sharing location. 


2022 I celebrated the day with the NHSP at White Lake State Park – perhaps you’ve seen these foggy photos this year on their FB posts this year. 


2023, Return to Monadnock for another inspiring start to the year. 2024 at Creek Farm, and last year, 2025 at Odiorne State Park, marking my first First Day visit to this site. 

I love the idea that “First Day” starts me out on the right foot (so to speak 😉), and the 5 miles covered Thursday helps to burn off some of those extra holiday calories. I love to see old friends, compare stories with people I’ve seen before, and create new collections of images for my non-profits.


Additionally, this new year signifies a milestone in my personal journey. It was the first day my HodgePodge Images project, with the help of my patreons, shot with new equipment, enabling me to give back more effectively. . I love a concept I found in “Braiding Sweetgrass”, “[my photography] is an act of reciprocity with the world. It is what I can give back for everything that has been given to me".

Please share some of the beauty I found on First Day:








Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

  • Share this campaign with friends, family, and nature lovers at GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/4cff87b7e
  • Connect Kate with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImages Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!




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