If you search and then click an image, the search link stays in the pagination... If your search produces an album and you click that, the pagination drops search and reflects the album, or albums category link. Is there a way to keep "search" in the pagination for albums? thanks in advance

Unfortunately, no there is not a way.

my fear confirmed. thanks

Try tonight's nightly build. There are limits on what can be done, but at least for the first level search will be in the breadcrumbs.