"The Elegance of Takeoff"...

A Great (White) Egret (Ardea alba) takes flight with ease. This bird is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, standing an average of 3 1/2 feet with an average wingspan of 5 feet. Comments welcome.

Location: Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas. July, 2016.
Photo # KS9_1358bw2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"An Arkansas Craftsman, Study II"...

This is another from my series of portraits of Paul V.
A true craftsman, Paul V. lives up near Huntsville, Arkansas. He has many stories and skills that some argue will be lost in the coming generations. He's holding another of his skilled results. As we talked in his shop, he pulled a few of his homemade knives and began to tell me how he's made them over the years. He also makes fiddles, guitars and banjos, and works on his cars and trucks. At first glance of this photo, you may think he's quite rough around the edges, but actually this is one of his many smiles. (ha) He's a great guy and actually quite camera shy. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Photo # KS3_0858bw. August, 2013.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"The Chalkboard"...

This one frame can tell many stories. Not only can you begin to imagine what has been drawn on the chalkboard, but later the pencils that were sharpened with the sharpener. Laneburg High School was built in the early 1930's and is struggling to remain standing. My father went to school here and I was fortunate to have him with me while I was photographing the school on this day. Comments welcome.

Location: Laneburg High School, Laneburg, Arkansas.
I did get permission from the land owner to photograph the school.
Photo # IM5_3955bw. June, 2017.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Nature's Paint"...

At any random point in time, Mother Nature can add a path of light as if painting a scene with a brush of light. This stream of waterfalls comes alive when a beam of sunlight peeks through the clouds.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May, 2017.
Photo # IM5_3747-50bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography