Country store - Interior...

The warm glow from the setting sun comes through the windows of this small, vintage store in southwest Arkansas. Full details are unknown, but discussions with owner descendants, it was built in the early 1900's. The interior is divided into two, equally sized rooms, with the back room likely storage for the store. The old road bed (before paved highways) passed in front of the store. The homestead is about 100 yards behind the store. I may post a few more photos, if there's enough interest.
Comments welcome.

To see exterior photos of the store and homestead, view my photos from summer 2013.
Location: private property, Lafayette county, southwest Arkansas.
Photo # KS6_5602-6h.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Little Golden Gate Bridge"...

Deep in the Ozark Mountains, the "Little Golden Gate Bridge" is located in the town of Beaver, Arkansas, population 100. It is the last remaining suspension bridge in Arkansas. Built in 1949, it is approximately 550 feet long and 11 feet wide (one lane).

Photo # KS6_4990-97h2. November, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"A Complicated Network of Pathways"...

What may appear as an aerial view of salt ponds is actually the detail structure of an oak leaf as it turns from the vibrant fall colors. A leaf is an organ. Some leaf forms can modulate the amount of light they absorb to avoid or mitigate excessive heat and ultraviolet damage. Leaves can also store food and water, and are modified accordingly to meet these functions.

What you see here is the extensively vascularised network of xylem, which supplies water for photosynthesis, and phloem, which exports the sugars produced by photosynthesis.

Photo # KS6_5108.
Location: central Arkansas, 11/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Ladybird on Take-off"...

Known as Ladybirds in most of the world, but often 'ladybugs' in North America, entomologists in the United States widely prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not true bugs. The Coccinellidae are a family of small beetles and are considered useful insects, because many species feed on aphids insects, which are pests in gardens, agricultural fields and orchards.

Their wing shells (Elytra) are often confused with being actual wings. Worldwide, there are over 5,000 known species, varying in color and spots. Spots are not always present.

Location: central Arkansas. May/2008.
Photo # _KS10095-96.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Garage-Wrecker Service"...

Imagine the stories told in this vintage Dodge as they rescued stranded motorists. This photographs speaks a lot of vintage, from the solitary weeds in the foreground, to the faded sign, and even the vintage light at the top-corner of the building.
Comments welcome.

Location: Paul Russell Garage-Wrecker Service, Morrilton, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_8348-56bwc. October, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Champ de Porsche"...

Cloud reflections on this antique Porsche 356 hood are quite mesmerizing. If you study this photograph, you'll see German design from decades ago, but for some, if you view this from across the room, you'll see a striking resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, Paris at night. You can also see a big smiley face. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Porsche 356 hood.
Photo # KS3_4086cbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

If you're going to make a splash, make some noise!...

This Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) shows us how to have fun. Don't hold back. Be yourself or don't be yourself. Hold back or let go. It's your choice, but when you're done, how do you want to remember it?

Location: central Arkansas. September, 2013.
Photo # KS3_2570-71c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Nature's Masquerade...

This particular species of female, Hover fly (Spilomyia longicornis) even has eye pigment which enhances the wasp-like appearance to mimic the yellow jacket. Hoverflies often called flower flies or syrphid flies, are true flies with only one pair of wings. As their name implies are often seen hovering near flowers. Hoverflies are common throughout the world, with over 6,000 known species, varying lengths from 5-20mm. Despite it masquerading as a wasp or bee, the hoverfly is harmless. They do not bite or sting. Hoverflies imitate so far as to even mimic the stinging action of a wasp by pushing the tip of the abdomen into your fingers if they are held.
This particular hover fly really caught my attention because of its yellow eyes - very rare in the hoverfly species I've generally photographed.

Flower: New England Aster.
Location: Conway, AR. October, 2008.
Photo # _KS10055.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

The Art of Simplicity...

Nature has many combinations of beauty, but we have to open not only our eyes but our hearts to truely appreciate what we have. Sometimes it's simply the sun breaking through a heavy fog, sometimes it's being near still water with perfect reflections, sometimes it's appreciating simple objects in nature, but what if all of this happened at once? This experience is just what you see in this photograph. You see wild reeds and their perfect reflections, along with the perfect reflection of the sun breaking through heavy fog in motion across the lake.

This is another photograph which looks different up-close versus viewing from across the room. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. February, 2012.
Photo # IMG_1517c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Divided...

When looking closely at this stream, beauty can be seen in the variety of waterfalls, regardless of their shape, speed, width, height, color or texture. Nature doesn't judge. Do we have more to learn from nature?

Obviously, there are more metaphors to be learned from this photograph, especially with the large rock centered, dividing the stream. I hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. March/2010.
Photo # _KS10094-98bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Curves Ahead...

For some, curves are obstacles. For others, curves are FUN! Some want to brake in curves, while those who race know that's very dangerous. If you race, you know to accelerate in curves. When life throws you a curve, remember it's just a road. It changes. You can change with it.

Location: Perry County, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_7977-81abwc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Female Flair...

The female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) rarely gets the spotlight in media. The adult male is a brilliant crimson red color, whereas the female has mostly grayish-brown tones and a slight reddish tint on the wings, the crest, and the tail feathers. Both sexes possess prominent raised crests and bright coral-colored beaks. The iris of the eye is brown.
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states, more than any other species.

Location: central Arkansas. Jan/2014.
Photo # KS4_4120c2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"It's a Small World"...

A striking photograph, surprisingly diverse when you look at it closely and then far away. When I photographed this, I patiently waited until the setting sun was almost exclusively striking this patch of wild grass. I was mesmerized. This small patch of grass was literally growing among large rocks with roots exposed below, and thriving. Wow, the metaphors abound. Once I began to study this photograph, I found more. You'll notice, in the background, the large rock has fungus dispersed on it's surface. Now imagine the fungus were clouds and you're really looking at earth from space. The grass could easily be the edge of the heavens. The rock to the bottom-right could easily be another planet surface.

If you study this photograph full-screen, your may quickly seek your own interpretations and metaphors. As I mentioned, this photograph looks completely different from across the room.
I welcome comments.

Location: central Arkansas. April/2014.
Photo # IM3_7040bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Dreams Ashore"...

There is something mesmerizing about sitting at the shoreline, listening and watching. Nature can touch us on so many levels, it can seem overwhelming, but in a good way. This is for those of us who can look across the water and continue to dream.

Photo # KS6_3499-3500cbw1.
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Sept/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Lily in Black-and-White"...

Sometimes we get lost in color, in so much as to not see and appreciate the simplist of nature's design.

Photo # DSC_0321bw3. June/2009.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"A Graceful Touch-down"...

One of the largest species of waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) has a wingspan over 80". Mother Nature shows us just how seemingly easy flight can be. There's something very graceful about the landing of the swan on a lake.

Location: Magness Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Jan/2014.
Photo # KS4_5683hbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Use Low Gear"...

Twenty years ago, I was cruising up Pikes Peak mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. As you can see, there is no guardrail. Since I was driving slow enough, and little traffic around, I stopped at a curve in the road to get this shot. Pikes Peak reaches over 14,000 feet above mean sea level. As you can tell from this photograph, I was above the timberline.
Comments welcome!

Pikes Peak, Co Springs, CO. Nikon F4s, Fujichrome Velvia. September, 1994.
Photo # CO_29_4a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Nature's Noise"...

Sometimes it's the noise that we seek.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. Feb/2012.
Photo # KS1_7376-88hbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Tranquility at the Creek"...

For those of us who have ever went to the edge of a creek and just sat still. This is one of those photographs, if you study closely, it can take you there. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: East Cadron Creek, Arkansas. Feb/2014.
Photo # IM3_6485-87hbw2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"A Recital of Hand-crafted Instruments"...

In an age of digital music and iPods, few truly appreciate the skill, artistry and dedication to the craft of hand-made, musical instruments. 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. Among many crafty results emanating from his workshop, he makes fiddles, guitars and banjos. Hope you enjoy.
Comments welcome.

The back of the guitar is a turtle shell.
Location: near Huntsville, Arkansas. August/2013.
Photo # IM3_1664bw2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Windows of Time"...

I found this juxtaposition interesting. You have several window metaphors to explore. The window on the left of the door is a window into complete shadows, whereas the window on the right is partially shadowed with an opening allowing you to see through the structure. The area to the far right gives you an open field with layers of trees. The area to the left gives you a view to another old building on the property. The skies above are opening up, giving you a window into the clearing sky.
Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome!

Location: near Kingston, Arkansas. August, 2013.
Photo # IM3_2059-68h2bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Visions and Reflections"...

Almost 20 years ago, I photographed this sunset with a slightly different vision than what you may think. The layers and gradations of clouds provided a great texture in the sky, but while reflecting at the water's edge, I had a new end-vision of a photograph. What you see here is the vision I had while photographing the sunset. What you may not realize is that I photographed this upside-down to achieve this result. What you see as silhouetted reeds on the right are actually reflections of the actual reeds. Everything you see, excluding the ground at the bottom edge are reflections in the water.
Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome!

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May, 1996.
Nikon F4s, Fujichrome Velvia.
Photo # 6171rbws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Sand Harbor"...

Nestled in a warm, cozy cove, sungoers enjoy the warm sand at one of the many beaches of Lake Tahoe. If you look closely at the water, you'll see it's almost clear, then emerald, then blue. Lake Tahoe has a visual clarity of 75 feet and water purity of 99.7% ! The lake is at 6,229' elevation, 22 miles in length and 12 miles in width, covering 191 square miles. Maximum lake depth is 1,645 feet, averaging 989 feet. Surface water temp stays at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. It never freezes. It's the 3rd deepest in North America and the 10th deepest lake in the world.

Location: Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, NV. Sept/2014.
Photo # KS6_3429-33c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Reno at Night"...

A colorful view of Reno, Nevada at night.
Photo # IMG_1023. Sept/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"The Woodland Hunter"...

This is a juvenile Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus). This medium-sized hawk species is known for hunting from low perches in woodland areas, dining mostly on frogs, lizards, snakes, insects and small mammals. Weighing just over 1 pound, the average length can be 20 inches, with an average wingspan of 44 inches. It often has white barring on dark wings, with rusty-colored shoulders. All ages show narrow, pale crescents near the wingtips in flight.

You may notice that it has it's toes straightened-out. These birds often get cramps from the powerful tendons in their feet. They often have to stretch and rest the feet from grips.

Location: central Arkansas. June, 2013.
Photo # KS2_8474_75c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"One of the Best DJ's"...

In 1993, I was given the opportunity to photograph and interview Craig O'Neill during his morning show on KURB (B98.5). He was in his second year at B98.5 and was well known for his prank telephone calls and incredible wit and humor. In this photograph, you can see what it looked like behind the controls of running a popular, morning radio show. This is pre-digital, so you can see a lot of DAT's and CD's. There is even more off-screen to the left and right. The rack of DAT's on the far right contained many sound-effects used during the show. In this photograph, he's actually pausing during a commercial.
I have a variety of stories and fun photos from that experience. I hope to find my audio tapes from the interview. There's one question I asked him, which the answer will surprise you.

(For those of you outside of Arkansas, you may not know this radio personality. "Craig O'Neill" spent the most of three decades in radio.)

May, 1993. Fujichrome 100.
Photo # People_1_3a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Patterns in Flight"...

The male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) has a red crown and nape, female has the red nape only. They are omnivores and are very beneficial, eating ants, grasshoppers, beetles, as well as fruits and nuts. This species habitually stores food. The red markings on the belly that give the bird its name is difficult to see in the field. They are approx. 10 inches long with a wingspan of 16 inches.

Photo # KS5_3190a. Location: central Arkansas. Feb/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"The Hat Tip"...

Sometimes shadows reveal more than light. The shadows I produced in this portrait were on purpose. I wanted to invite mystery, depth, as well as light-and-shadow play. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome!

Portrait session with Heather.
Photo # _KS10340bwsc2. Jan/2010.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Nature's Bounty"...

Nature has a way of giving us what we need. If you keep your eyes, mind and heart open, mother nature may just surprise you with more than you expected.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May/2009.
Photo # _KS10230-236bws2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Mill Creek Falls"...

This waterfall is fed by 60-degree water flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns. This man made stone dam was built in the 1930's and was used to power a mill. Comments welcome!

Photo # KS6_2617-34hc2. July/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"An American Heritage"...

Originally a carriage house, the owner has meticulously remodeled this as a one-room schoolhouse from the past. It includes ink-well desks, chalkboard, original wood floor, and iron bell with a crank. You can also see the American Flag blowing in the wind. I posted an awesome interior photograph in this same album. Comments welcomed!

Location: northwest Arkansas. August, 2013.
Photo # IM3_2882-87hs.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Put out to Pasture"...

This John Deere equipment has been retired for quite some time. You may also notice the field ruts that disappear into the horizon near the center.

Location: near Rushing, Arkansas. July/2014.
Photo # IM3_8199b.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Ford GT"...

Seen here in red, this 2006 Ford GT Coupe encompasses 550 horsepower with 13 city/21 hwy mpg. It is a two-seater, mid-engine sports car, that will take you from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.8 seconds. Just over 1,600 GTs were built in 2006. Some currently sell $100,000 *over* their suggested retail price of $150,000.

2006 Ford GT in red.
Photo # KS2_5077.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Nature's Green is Gold, Blue, White and Black..."

This juvenile Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is resting for a moment. Weighing only about an ounce, adults average 7 inches in length with a wingspan of 11 inches. Eastern Bluebirds can live for six to 10 years. They begin breeding the summer after they are hatched.

Photo # KS3_2521-2523c. Location: central Arkansas. September/2013.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Sun, Steam and Steel"...

This is Union Pacific #844. It is a 4-8-4 steam locomotive owned by Union Pacific Railroad. Built in 1944, it was the last steam locomotive delivered to Union Pacific. Today, it is one of UP's oldest serving locomotives. The wheelbase is over 90 feet. The locomotive weighs 486,000 pounds.

Photo # _KS10131bw. May/2006, Conway, Arkansas.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Angel Wings"...

A young Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is taking-off from a perch. You may notice that the shape of the wings at this exact moment are almost perfectly angelic in shape. You may also notice the cloud-like shapes of the immature chest down.
Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: central Arkansas. August/2007.
Photo # _KS10207.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Stars of the Prairie"...

We don't have to look across the universe, at night, to see stars. We have them here on earth. Simple pleasures abound if we simply look.

Location: central Arkansas. July/2014.
Photo # IM3_8009abwsc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Fun Times"...

Here's another from my series of portraits of Paul V.
This is Paul resting in his 1930 Ford Model A. He can tell you exactly which original parts he's replaced on this truck. This is arguably his favorite truck, which he still drives and maintains. He can tell you something about every inch of the truck, and often with a good story. He can also tell you the gas mileage for each season. An interesting fact: the windshield wiper is hand-cranked from inside the cab. He's had many offers to buy the truck, but has turned them all down. He said that if & when he decides to sell, he wants it to go to an owner who will respect the history. Hope you enjoy.
Comments welcome.
Due to the popularity of this series, I may post several more over the coming weeks/months as I get free time.
Location: near Huntsville, Arkansas. August/2013.
Photo # IM3_1614bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Air Delivery"...

These American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are coordinating flight maneuvers while trying to pass food to each other. Comments welcome.

Location: central Arkansas. December/2013.
Photo # KS3_7823c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Light, Water and Shadow"...

For some, simplicity is art. Experiencing nature in it's simplicity can also be an artful experience. For a seemingly simple photograph, the detail and composition are surprisingly complex. I hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. April/2014.
Photo # IM3_7617-21bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"A Gamut of Foliage"...

Nature offers us a splendor of the color palette. As the colors unfold before us, the sound of leaves rustle in the wind, the sunlight blinding you if just for a moment, we begin to realize how complex nature is yet how simple it is to enjoy. How do we continue to appreciate these moments? Each of us have our own answers. Enjoy as much as you can, while you can.

Location: Twin Rivers Park, Little Rock, Arkansas. October/2012.
Photo # KS1_8647-55h3.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Elegance in Nature"...

The Great Egret (Ardea alba) stands over 3 feet tall with a wingspan averaging 5 feet. Nearly hunted to extinction for its elegant plumes in the 1800s and early 1900s, the great egret is now the official symbol of the National Audubon Society. During breeding season long plumes grow from its back, called aigrettes, which were the bane of egrets in the late nineteenth century, when such adornments were prized for ladies’ hats.

Location: Lake Martin, Louisiana. May, 2005.
Photo # DSC_0152bwc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Take a moment to Listen"...

When was the last time you actually stopped, closed your eyes, and simply listened? Nature is underappreciated. We all should stop, listen, and appreciate what nature has given us more often.

This wonderful model and her friend drove from south Texas for this commissioned portrait session. During the session, I would often ask her to close her eyes to give her a break from the bright sunlight. During one of these moments, I decided to capture her pause. The custom jewelry on her ankle was from her wedding and the necklace was made to match.

Commissioned portrait session, June/2007.
Photo # _KS40088bwinf_sg36c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"All American"...

From some, this may be what you remember most about your southern, sunset, front-porch experiences. You can hear the voices of your siblings and cousins, while you're likely trying to block-out the voices of the parents. (ha) I had wanted to photograph this front porch at sunset for quite some time, but as I studied this scene through the viewfinder, more detail began to reveal itself. There is much to see in this photograph. At first, you may see the American Flag in the door frame, but it's easy to get lost in the wonderful texture of the double-screen doors. You may also be mesmerized by the shadow of the hanging porch swing and wind chimes against the wall. What you may not notice is how much the area beneath the swing is scuffed from people dragging their feet as they swing. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Mitchell's homestead, near Hope, Arkansas. Feb/2014.
Photo # KS5_4350-54h3.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Bad Hair Day"...

Having a bad hair day? Keep your chin up. This wet, male Pine Warbler doesn't seem to care and poses for the camera anyway. We can learn more from nature.

Location: central Arkansas. Feb/2013.
Photo # KS2_1591c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Evening Solitude"...

Oftentimes, we seek solitude in nature. We often find that we are not alone.
Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. March/2012.

Photo # KS1_9981bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Water and Light"...

Water like light has many textures. It can be soft, it can be hard, it can be direct or indirect. We don't even have to see it to enjoy it. Each of our senses allow us to begin to appreciate how it can feed us mentally and physically. The next time you're near water, take a moment to not only see, but to hear and touch what it can offer.

Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May/2014.
Photo # KS5_9113-14a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Desert Thunder"...

This is a photograph I've been wanting to create for quite some time. Looking at the details, you'll see a 1955 Ford Thunderbird in the desert with a thunderstorm brewing in the background.

This is actually a composite. The '55 T-bird is actually a matchbox car (1:43 scale). The background is a photograph I made near New Mexico in the early 90's. I've placed this in the "still life" category, which is an area which I hope to have time to continue being creative. Comments welcome!

Details: Matchbox Dinky 1955 Thunderbird, Coca-Cola DYG08/B Die Cast 1:43.
Photo # KS5_9539m1. June/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Near and Far"...

Some may enjoy the detail in the foreground rocks, others the smooth motion of the clouds in the distance. Whatever you see in this photograph, I hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Lake Conway, Arkansas. Feb/2014.
Photo # IM3_6238abws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Standing on Top of the World"...

Just over 30 years ago, I photographed this fish-eye landscape. With the curvature of the fish-eye lens and the melting snow around me, I wanted give the impression I was standing on top of the world. I positioned myself behind the sun to keep the lens flare out and to add another dimension to the photograph. Photographing with this lens is considerably harder than it looks. With a 180-degree field of view, anything in front of the lens is in the photo. Note from my waistline to the sky are all in the frame. To-date, this may still be my favorite fish-eye photograph.

Self portrait, January 1984, Hope, Arkansas. Nikon FM2, Kodachrome 25.
Photo # Scenics_1_2a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.