One of the nicest things about online photography sites like ipernity is how it brings us all together into a close-knit community of like-minded friends.

Flickr was my first online photography home and as I began to become a better photographer, I also made new friends. As important as it is to take pictures, it's also very important to look at other people's photography for inspiration, instruction, and often to see the world in a completely different way. Part of my daily routine (unless I am swamped with work) is to visit everyone who has left new comments, to take a good look at their latest picture(s), and to leave a thoughtful comment. As the months have passed, I've gotten to meet and know so many wonderful and talented people!

I try to take pictures in a certain way, and this is a style that's slowly developed since I got my Canon 5D Mark II and 100mm 2.8L macro lens. My style is influenced by countless things in my life, but one of the most substantial is looking at other people's pictures which are similar, yet different, than my own. Because I take similar pictures, it's easier for me to learn a technique they're using that I haven't tried. It's super!

About six months ago, a dear friend of mine over at Flickr wrote to me and told me that we are like two peas in a pod, and from that day forth, we became Pod Sisters and fellow Podlings. About the same time, another good friend of mine began calling me his Cyber Sister, so he became my Cyber Brother. Since then, whenever I find a photographer whose style is much like mine, they become my Pod Sister or Cyber Brother! :) I feel like all of us share a common bond and see eye to eye about photography, and so many other things too. It's easy to recognize new "Podlings" or "Cyber Bros" because in every case I feel like I've known you all of my life! It's a wonderful feeling, and it's great to meet new friends and to build these strong friendships!

The hardest part about coming over to ipernity is the fact that I have many Pod Sisters and Cyber Brothers there who will not be joining me here. It makes me very, very sad because I'm going to miss them so much when I cut ties to Flickr. However, I am overjoyed that I have been meeting more and more like-minded friends here on ipernity, and with my brand new Podlings and Cyber Bros, the depression I've been feeling ever since Flickr exploded, is finally beginning to drift away. It feels fantastic!! I am so glad to be surrounded by so many talented photographers who I can call my good friends...I love you all!

*big hugs and much love to my Pod Sisters and Cyber Brothers*