Thank you all so much. You really have made me feel welcome. I hope to take part in some of the challenges, something to get me back out there. It had been a while since I photographed much when I found they were going to blow the Ledbetter bridge. They had constructed a new one and closed the old one as it was beginning to give way. They closed the bridge to traffic just before sun rise and a crowd gathered. I missed the first section as I didn't know about it in time but for the second section I was there early. Standing on the bridge that morning with the sun just about to peek through the darkness I remembered what it is that I love about photography. As I waited I took shots of this and that and spoke with others who were also waiting. I met a couple really nice folks and enjoyed speaking with them but when the sun sat across my shoulders and lit up the scene with that warm glow my attentions went to the task at hand and everything else melted away. I realized that morning that photography is not just a hobby for me, for me its who I am, its what makes me happy. I have enjoyed a few '15 minutes of fame' when my photos were published and that just seals the deal. That morning I remembered who I am. I am a photographer.

Wayne, I see you are from Paris, TN. That's just down the road from me. what kind of photos do you take?

In this photo of a GS Fritillary you can see where I get what I said about it being from the front and above. This is a typical behavior for this butterfly where the head and legs are down in the flower and the back wings are elevated. This one was shot from an angle instead of straight on so you can tell its from the front. Again, your shot is terrific which ever way it was taken. I just have some of these little critters and it looks about like the same shot. Thank you for indulging my observations
Tina

Thank you. Number three was taken in Metropolis, Il. Home of Superman. I think that is supposed to be Lois Lane's car in front of the newspaper. Anyway, it took Best of Show in the local photo contest.
The other one you mention is my boy Ben. I also have Jerry, Hershey, Chrissy and Mei, and the little ones Boris, Netasha, Rocky, and Buddy. I have a permit to keep them as pets, in case there is any question. I love the little guys. Each one special in their own way.

To enhance the photo I took the liberty of cropping in on it. I hope you don't mind. It is possible that what we are seeing here is from the under side of the wings in which case you are correct that it would be from the back. If, however, we are looking down onto the top of the butterfly, we would be looking at the front. It would help if we could see the antenna. Either way, its a very nice, unusual shot. Kind of an optical illusion.

I see that your profile photo is that of a raccoon. Its nice to meet folks who appreciate and love these creatures. I have been a 'coon mom' for many years now and I truly think they are terrific.
They also make for some really great photos.
Tina

Its a very nice photograph but I have to disagree with the angle in which it was shot. Being very familiar with the Great Spangled Fritillary I believe it was shot from the front with the butterfly looking down into the flower thus elevating the back wings to look like it was shot from the back. I have several shots of this type butterfly. One of the ones I was able to capture was when it landed on the leaf of a tree just a few feet from me and laid both wings out onto the leaf. It was majestic. Almost like a bow, or a curtsy.

so what kind of photos does everyone here shoot? Me? I'm a go out and get 'em kinda photographer. I like to get outside. I have shot everything from wildlife to the blast inside a rock quarry to blowing up bridges. I really love my wild ones though.

very nice

where are you in KY? I'm in Western KY near Illinois, Tenn, and Mo.

Thanks so much

Hello All, I am Tina from Kentucky and I've been in photography about 20 years. I love getting together with like minded people to discuss our interest. Photography. I am interested in new ideas and different ways of approaching a photograph. I look forward to meeting you all