Greetings from the Netherlands

I just joined this forum and am looking forward to inspiring photos and great critiques. I've decide that the 'likes' and 'Oh wow!' comments on Facebook aren't really helping me deepen my art. :w3
I'm an expat American, living in the Netherlands since 1970. I was weaned on photography: my mother never went anywhere without her 1953 Leica, and my grandfather was taking beautiful photos back in the 1920's. The attached photo is one he took of my mother in 1926.
I made the switch to digital photography in 2002, took mostly travel photos, but didn't get serious about photography until my retirement a few years ago. Passionate about nature, I wanted to share its beauty with the world. It was good to have the time and means to start learning and the learning curve has been steep and joyful. The American Melissa Groo and the Dutch Theo Bosboom are among my most inspiring teachers.
My equipment: two Canon bodies: the 5D Mark III and the 7D Mark II. An assortment of lenses varying from the 100 mm macro and the 16-35 mm f/2.8 to the 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 (and several in between). I'm never satisfied, always looking greedily at the next possible purchase. It's 'just a hobby' but an expensive one! :t3
Besides photography, I paint and write (including a weekly blog)
I'm looking forward to learning from you all!
Madeleine

Welcome to BPN :)

Welcome Madeleine!
This is definitely the spot to learn and grow as a photographer.
Looking forward to seeing some of your images.
Love the image of your Mom!
Gail

Welcome to BPN, Madeleine! Love learning that you were weaned on photography, and you have such an interesting background. You'll find there is a lot to glean and learn here. Looking forward to your contributions.