Field Days, Museum Work, and the Joy of Bug Season


I use Dropbox to share my photos with the organizations I am working with but it’s become much more than a storage tool for me. Over time, it’s evolved into a sort of visual diary—my way of tracking when I photographed certain events and what we accomplished. According to my folders, I began joining the Maine Entomological Society (MES) for Field Days in the summer of 2020. The earliest photos show masked members exploring the outdoors together, a reminder of that strange and memorable year.

MES field days are some of my favorite events. There’s something special about spending time with a group of naturally curious people. Members sponsor (?) events at lands near their homes and everyone is invited to join in the exploration. This year, on June 13, 2026, I’ll be hosting my event at Laudholm Farm. I am looking forward to exploring one of my favorite places with some of my favorite exploring people.

Many MES members also volunteer at the Maine State Museum. Organizing small insect specimens into a user-friendly system is no small task, and much of the sorting and labeling happens thanks to volunteers—from dedicated members to anyone who joins during holiday workdays.

On Civil Rights Day, we had one of those workdays, and while helping out, the conversation turned toward an upcoming BioBlitz at the Viles Arboretum, happening the weekend of June 27. I offered to create a slide show to run in the barn during the event—something visual to help explain what a BioBlitz is and what we’re hoping to document.


Of course, I have thousands of photos from past events, but I wanted some fresh shots focused solely on insects (and let’s be honest, I also wanted an excuse to keep playing with my new camera and macro lens). Kathy reminded me of the display drawer she created showcasing insect colors. These specimens don’t have labels, so they can’t join the official collection, but they’re still stunning. I used them to practice focus stacking, and the resulting images captured some astonishing details. Now I can’t wait to photograph insects outside again!



When we got back to the museum after the team went out together for lunch, Chase Gagne, the collections manager for the museum (and VP of MES) asked if I could shoot a tray of beetles. The museum’s insect catalog is an ongoing project, and attaching quality images to data would be a huge help. I’m not around often enough to shoot regularly, but I’ll pitch in whenever I can.



Years ago, I won some equipment that let me tether my old Nikon to a computer for detailed shooting. One thing I love about the OM system I use now is that all I need is to add the software on my Surface Pro—the cables came included with the camera. With a tabletop tripod already in my kit, all I need is a couple of uninterrupted hours to experiment.



And now, with Maple Season underway, Bug Season—and Spring itself—can’t be far behind. I’m counting the days.



Did you find your way here after an event 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:

  • Connect Kate with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!

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