Male bluebird in snow...

Photo # BSM1057. March, 2008.

Voices from the front porch...

Large front porches, such as this one, hold such rich memories. Whether it was the distinct voices of relatives, the creaking of the rocking chair, the jostling of the chain on the porch swing, or the slamming of the screen door. This one section of the house seemed to be one of the most remembered and visited areas of the house. Notice the size of the oak tree in the background. It's about as wide as the porch swing. Comments welcome.

Location: the Mitchell's homestead, near Hope, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_5361h4.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

The new batmobile is ready...

2014 Porsche 991 in Agate Grey.
Runway #36.

Photo # IM3_4704-07abw2np.

"Moonrise over Arkansas River" #2...

Photo # IMG_4662-64abw2.
October, 2012.

"The Passage of Time"

Another from my series: the more you look, the more you see. There's much to say about this photograph, yet it's theme is simplistic. I've wanted to photograph this specific tree for a long time and hadn't been satisfied with my results. On this morning, everything seemed to come together. I like the supporting composition of the natural fence posts supporting the barbed wire fence. The lone tree with the tractor and hay rake could easily have their own stories to tell. Notice the rising fog beyond the hill, rising as the sun warms the earth. You may also notice the jet contrails above the tree. Comments welcomed.

Location: Hope, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_5292abw.

"Luminosity in Flight"

The sun reflects from ice-covered leaves as a Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is in flight.
Photo # KS3_5166c.

"Into the Fog" #2

Location: Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas.
Photo # KS2_7767-73bwcs.

"The Past, Present and Future of Travel"...

Comments welcome.
Some of you may be curious about the inner rails. Those inner rails are referred to as "guide rails" or guard rails. Used often on bridges, they will limit how far sideways the train's wheels can travel in case of a derailment. They basically keep the wheels on the ties and track at least until it has left the bridge.

Photo # IMG_8042bwb.

"Intermission"...

Take time to pause. A moment can last a long time if you appreciate it. - Kelly Shipp
Photo # IMG_1008-1013bw2.
Location: Lake Beaverfork, Conway, Arkansas, 2012.

Air plane rides...

Over 20 years ago, I was driving the back roads of Arkansas and I came across this scene. Upon closer inspection, you may notice that the plane is missing a few 'parts'.

April, 1993.
Photo # April93D15a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

A quiet night on Main Street...

A quiet, summer night on Main street.
Photo # _KS10023-25b. July, 2009.
Location: Clarksville, AR.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

Light and Shadow...

Water continues to flow regardless of the rigid terrain it encounters. It assumes many forms yet continues to mesmerize us by it's simplicity. - Kelly Shipp

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. March/2010.
Photo # _KS10056-64bw.

Nature's Fireworks...

Sunlight and infrared light illuminate this tree as if Mother Nature were giving us our own fireworks show. It is up to us to see them and appreciate them.

April, 2011.
Photo # DSC_1002b.

Trees of Roses...

There was something about the opening through these trees that interested me. It's as if a path existed, but it's up to me to determine where it leads. That's what excites me about exploration - you never know what you may see and experience.

Location: Woodlands, Camp Robinson Special Use Area, central Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_0199-202r. Jun/2013. Color infrared converted to duotone.

The Golden Hour...

For some, the golden hour refers to the magical time that usually occurs an hour around sunset and sunrise. For others, it may simply be that special moment when time seems to stand still and your eyes and ears are filled with the glorious sights and sounds of nature.

Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. Jan, 2013.
Photo # IMG_6169-6176h. Color Infrared.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

Mamma Mia!

"Mamma Mia!"

Within sight of Time Square in New York City, you can see a variety of billboard advertising. I found this composition full of content, structure and life. Hope you enjoy.

Location: NYC, 2011.
Photo # KS1_1679a.

Storm over Mt. Nebo

Two lightning bolts strike the ground as a summer thunderstorm passes over Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas.
July, 2008.

Photo # PJSP409a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

Creature from the Deep

What may appear as an alien beneath the surface of the water is actually a root system of a tree that once lived at the edge of this lake.

Lake Maumelle, Ar.
Photo # IM3_4652-53a.

Nature's Fuel...

Pollen is the fuel to millions of creatures on this planet, yet it seems so small and insignificant. Honey produced by bees from natural sources contains pollen derived p-coumaric acid, which is an antioxidant. This photograph details the interior of an Iris, which takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow. There are up to 300 species of Iris. In water purification, the Yellow Iris (I. pseudacorus) is used.

Extra: As you look past the crest of the lower petal, you'll see what's often referred to as the 'style crest', which in this photograph looks like a flame.... hence a second meaning of my title, "Nature's Fuel"... :)
Photo # _KS10058b. April, 2007.

Whirlpool & Leaf

The juxtapositions within this photograph seem to offer various observations. The whirlpool seems trapped in a pyramid of shapes, yet begins to take the form as well. You can see the layer of rock beneath the whirlpool, as well as the bubbles lining up along the edges of the surface rock. The irony is the perfectly still leaf floating above the water on the left.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas, 2012.
Photo # KS1_5684-90hbws.

"Sunburst of Fall Color"

Arkansas Fall colors, 2012.
Photo # KS2_2921_9_h.

Earth and Sky...

At first glance this terrain may seem somewhat extraterrestrial. But if you look at this through my vision, you may be surprised at what you see. Imagine the sky in this photograph were actually the earth. Notice the concave curvature of the horizon, further supporting the idea that the planet earth is actually above, and you're standing on another planet. A better way to see this is to make the photograph full-screen, then step back from your monitor and view from across the room.

Every element in the photographed helped me that day to see this vision. The clouds were awesome that day.
Location: Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.
Photo # IMG_6628-33h3b. Jan/2013.

Porsche Carrera GT

Porsche Carrera GT in black and white.
Photo # KS2_1673-94cbw2.

Fall colors with a cabriolet...

Porsche Turbo cabriolet...

Dimensions of sunlight and branches...

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas. Infrared, 2007.
Photo # DSC_0130bws.

Industrial Design...

What you are looking at is the left-rear corner of a Porsche 997. The intricacy of detail in the brake light assembly and the brushed-metal look provide an interesting, industrial, performance and esthetic design.

Photo # KS2_0465cbw1s.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

Age of Colors...

Nature is revealing this 1949 Chevrolet 6400 dump truck's colorful past, through it's layers of paint once applied. Who thought a dump truck could tell such colorful stories?...

Photo # KS3_0594-0616h2.

The Audi R8...

"Wolf Blacksmith"

Jacob H. Wolf (1786-1863) an Arkansas pioneer, was a blacksmith the majority of his adult life. Once a soldier in the Confederate Army as well as various other skirmishes, he blacksmithed most of his life, as well as having been elected sheriff, served as a postmaster, county coroner, collector, and also a farmer. After his second wife passed about 1846, he married his third wife, Cynthia H. Shipp. Could I be related?...

Location: Norfolk, Arkansas.
Photo # IMG_8005-10bws.

"A doorway to a schoolroom from the Past"

Originally a carriage house, this door reveals a schoolroom from the past. If only the inkwells in these desks could be un-dipped.
Photo # KS3_1533-58c2.

Nichol's Grocery...

Infrared panorama.
Photo # IM3_1303-06h2bws2.

"Glass Pond"...

There's much to say upon this photograph. If you've ever lived near a pond or lake, this tranquil scene may bring back memories. There's much to see here if you take a moment to study this photograph.

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_4264-73abws.

Nature's Solo Flight...

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_3623bws.

The silence of the creek...

If you visit nature enough, you may have the opportunity to visit a creek when it's not flowing and time seems to stand still. Nature takes a pause and you feel as though you can absorb the moment. You can actually hear the silence.

Photo # IM3_4330bws.

Reaching for the Sky...

These grasses almost act as miniature trees that move with the wind. The tops have arrows that twist in the wind like vanes. They are not inhibited by the gate that is behind them, nor are the clouds which easily pass over the land. Nature sees no limits as these grasses reach for the sky. If you look closely, you may even notice some of the smaller sections of the clouds mimic the tops of these grasses.

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo #IM3_0719abw.

The Ford GT.

The Ford GT.
What a stance. This car has some amazing, raw horsepower. And you have to love a red sportscar...

This looks best full-screen. Photo # KS2_5191-5207c.

Ground Zero, NYC 2011.

Ground Zero, NYC 2011.
There are two massive pools, set within the footprints of the Twin Towers, with the largest man-made waterfalls in the country cascading down their sides. The names of the nearly 3,000 individuals who were killed in the September 11 attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and the February 1993 World Trade Center bombing will be inscribed around the edges of the Memorial pools.

Photo # KS1_1648-51a.
Nov, 2011.

Elk rising with the Moon

A female elk pauses before crossing the field, as if to stop for a glance at the moon. The sun was setting on the horizon, just enough to light the varying levels of terrain, as the moon was rising beyond the valley.

Location: Boxley Valley, Arkansas. Aug, 2013.
Photo # IM3_3426abw.

"Waterfall Flux"

There's so much diversity in this one area of waterfalls. Mother Nature has a fun way of taking a single source and providing so much variety. It's a constant challenge to begin to see and appreciate all that we have.
Location: Cedar Creek, Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas.
April, 2008.
Photo # _KS10044bws.

Sunset on Golden Pond

What an amazing place. Imagine an old home with a large front porch, facing a pond that's just a stones throw away. Imagine large, oak trees that shade you while you fish. Imagine being far away from traffic and the busy life. Imagine smelling what's cooking as you stand atop the hill watching the sun set. Imagine my surprise when I came across this place. Comments welcomed.

Location: northwest Arkansas and far, far away from everything.
Photo # IM3_3309-13h4.

"Enlightened Path"...

There's just something about driving down a dirt road, through the overhanging tree canopies, that enlightens our souls of discovery. For some, it's travelling through a dark tunnel into the light, excited to discover the new. For others, it's reminiscent of driving dirt roads during youth.

Location: Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_0458bws.

Big Brother in Velvet...

Two white-tailed bucks' attention are simultaneously drawn to the noise made from approaching wild turkeys. They aren't alarmed given their tails are tucked normally. Notice the velvet still on their antlers. You can also see their 'battle scars' from scuffling with other bucks.

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1064-65.

"View from the Bedroom"

"View from the Bedroom"

This is another from my recent series of the 'dogtrot' homestead built in 1913. To give you perspective, you are standing in the middle bedroom, looking through the doorway into the family room. To the left, out of sight, is another bedroom. Behind you, is another doorway which leads to the breezeway between the two sections of the home. The sun is setting, so there's a warm, red glow coming from the breezeway.

From this perspective, you can see a lot of the character of these old homesteads. Here are some random things you may notice: the wonderful wood texture throughout, the five-panel door with original knob and keyhole, simple window panes with the window 'shades' that were often used in that period, the interior of the fireplace in the family room is all brick, the layered-woodwork of the mantle, and the warm, red sunlight glow from the setting sun outside.

I really like the light and shadows, which seems to add even more to the character of this place. If only these walls and doors could talk...

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1383-92h3.

"Storefront"

A storm approaches this peaceful, country scene in southwest Arkansas. The building nearest is an old, country store. You may notice the primitive, horizontal bars on the windows. Not much is known about this store. The building in the background is likely the residence of the store owner. Out of site, to the right of the old home, are remains of an outhouse and wellhouse. The old homestead may look familiar as I posted a panorama of it several weeks ago. This looks best full-screen.

You can order a print here: http://kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p82003648/h6D89FF09#h6d89ff09

Location: southwest Arkansas. 06/2013.
Photo # IM3_0052-66bw.

"Tree of Light"...

You can order prints here: http://kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p82003648/h6066E3AA#h6066e3aa
Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_3540bw2.

"Dogtrot at Sunset"...

A dogtrot homestead, also known as a 'breezeway', was common in the late 1800's and early 1900's. One side was generally used for dining and cooking, while the other side were bedrooms.
This homestead was built in 1913. It only has one chimney in the right-front room, whereas the left-front had a stove pipe in the ceiling, likely for a stove in the center of that room. The right side has three rooms, with the front room likely a guest area that included the fireplace. The back two rooms were bedrooms. The left side had one large and one small, which suggests the left side was the cooking/dining areas. This home also had an underground storm shelter, located behind the shed (far right), with enough room for a large family.

Photo # KS3_1282-1311ks2a.

"Town Square"...

In Madison County, there's a quaint, small town with two, intersecting highways and a town square that still has the flavor of what once was. The town square includes the general store, "Grandpa's Flea Market", a public library, bank, fire department and more. In this photograph, you see the west side of the town square, and in the distance you see where the highways lead you - into the rolling hills, valleys and clouds.

I took extra time on this composition. Notice all the leading lines: the building's lines on the left, the hand rail, the telephone lines, the double-stripe highway lines and roof lines. :)

Location: Kingston, Arkansas.
You can purchase this print here: kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p315378808/h6123aeec#h6123aeec

Photo reference # IM3_2086-93hbws2. Aug/2013.

"A Sunset Experience"...

This is what it was like in the "dogtrot" homestead, watching the sunset in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The design of these dogtrot (breezeway) houses were that each room opened to a common breezeway (hallway). This breezeway offers a considerably cooler, covered area for sitting and visiting. When you combine this with opening the windows to the rooms, even more air can be drawn through the house. One side was generally used for dining and cooking, while the other side were bedrooms. This house has full-width, front and back porches.

The setting sun came straight-through the center of the hallway, giving the wood a fire-red glow. In this photo, you're looking down the center hallway toward the front porch. More photos to come as I get time.
Location: Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1397-1430a.

"Generations"

If these cars could talk, they could tell several generations of stories. In the foreground is a 1965 Buick Riviera, and in the background is a 1950 Studebaker Champion.

Photo # IM3_1744h3bws.

Homemade Knives

Paul V. is an interesting fellow who makes knives, among many things, in his old shop. Everywhere you looked, there was a story waiting to be told.

If you look in the floorboard of the old truck, you'll see fiddle and banjo cases. The story on those coming soon.
By the way, this is the owner of the 1930 Ford Model A that I posted a photo recently.

Photo # IM3_1633b