(view large for even more yummy details! :D)

Do you remember when you first began your adventure in photography? Remember the beginning of your journey when you knew you wanted to take good pictures but your results left you feeling frustrated and unhappy? It's a long road, isn't it? Do you remember looking online for a photography community where you might learn from those whose photography you admired?

I remember all the way back, so many years ago now, when I hopped online and discovered there were photography communities where people uploaded their pictures and shared them with the world. At first it was a love-hate relationship. I would visit photo groups and individual photographer pages and see what pictures others were taking. I could only look for a few minutes before I was overwhelmed and felt so intimidated that it seemed silly to think I might be able to take pictures like all I admired. But I was determined to try, because I found a burning passion for photography that I couldn't quench and what really made my heart blaze was macro photography, where for the first time I could share with others the pictures of all the tiny things in the world I'd loved since I was a toddler. After literally hundreds of thousands of pictures and years later, I learned a thing or two! I think you'll agree: there's nothing like the feeling of capturing images that make your heart go boom.

Along the way I've met a river of talented folk and communities that are both welcoming and inspiring. When I found ipernity, I knew it was the perfect online home for me and my photography. People have come and gone over the years but some of them are here to stay like me and some have become good friends to me.

Just One of My Countless Inspirations—Keith Burton!
ipernity is overflowing with talented, wonderful, friendly, worldly and interesting people, young and old. Years ago I met a fine fellow named Keith Burton, whose photography often surprised me because his style was so often just like mine! And yet, he often tries interesting techniques and takes brilliant pictures of subjects that never occurred to me. There's nothing like seeing a new idea from a person whose bag of tricks is similar enough that you feel inspired and not intimidated.

Keith Loves Ivy…and So Do I!
I love ivy! Ever since I was a kid I've loved seeing how it grows up the side of trees, all over buildings, carpeting forest floors, covering fences…that's one crazy plant! The leaves are lovely to look at and as a subject, they are brilliant! Keith loves ivy too…and boy does he know how to take fantastic pictures of it! In fact, every time I see ivy now I also think of Keith. So naturally, when I found the ivy in my picture today, I hoped my pictures would turn out so I could share them with him! I'm only posting this one today but eventually I'll put them all up. I simply had to post this because I kept telling Keith about my pictures and needed to share one before I exploded! :D

Did You Know? There are at least 20 types of plants known as "Ivy"!
When I think of ivy, I picture the type known as common or English ivy (Hedera helix). Within the Hedera genus there are 12-15 species which include one of my favorites pictured today. I love the shape and wonderful texture of the leaves . It was a big surprise to learn there are twenty or more types of plants known by the name "ivy", and so many of them look nothing like hedera.. Not surprisingly, almost all species known as ivy tend to be invasive and have spread around the world, choking out native plants and killing trees with their strangling ways. It's too bad because I adore these plants so much!

Thank You
I appreciate all of your visits, comments, stars and of course your inspiring, wonderful photography! It's been so nice spending relaxing mornings perusing your pictures and getting more inspiration for my future photography! Please stay safe and warm out there!!

Explored on 11/15/20; highest placement #2.