"Happiness and the Future"...

Get as much happiness out of what you are doing as you can and don't put off being happy until some future date.

Location: On a trail, near Albert Pike campground.
Photo # 1118DSC_0048bws. January, 2011.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Cardinal Wonderland"...

An interesting view from a Cardinal's perspective during an icy winter.
Photo # KS4_9923b. Feb, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Raw Materials"...

From a time when everything was natural and locally sourced. Whether you needed a fence post, window pane or front door, the choice was easy. Homesteads had two front doors for a variety of reasons, depending on the style, age, and location. Oftentimes, one door was for formal (guests) and one door for casual, everyday access. Sometimes it was designed to improve air flow since there was no air-conditioning.

Rural Arkansas.
Photo # IMG_8652bw. April, 2013.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Waterfall Gathering"...

To gather is to seek and bring closer. Water has this uncanny ability to draw us closer, to bring us in, to mesmerize us and calm us. This scene offers many variances of water visuals, if only you could hear the variety in sound as well. We take water for granted on many levels. The next time you're around water, take in more than just the visuals. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas.
Photo # 9525_KS10055-67abws. May, 2009.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Among the Trees"...

Moments are as special as you want them to be. Oftentimes, it may only be a twinkle of a person's eye, the sway of a tree, or the sun glinting among the trees.
Location: Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. February, 2012.
Photo # IMG_1558abw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Nature's Harmony in Black-and-White"...

To harmonize is to blend-in, which is exactly what this white-tailed deer is doing in nature.

Location: central Arkansas. February, 2006.
Photo #2006211_DSC_0116bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Porsche Generations"...

At the forefront is the Porsche 918 Spyder - Martini Racing Edition. It combines a high-performance internal combustion engine with electric drives at the front and rear axles to achieve extraordinary driving performance and efficiency. The system power of all three drives together is greater than 770 hp. Acceleration: 0 - 60mph < 2.5 seconds.

Photo # KS7_8759-63bw2. 11/13/2015.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Hunter of the Prairie"...

Marsh Hawk (Northern Harrier) in flight, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.

Photo # _KS10334bbws2. January, 2008.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Classic Porsche"...

Photo # KS6_4284_pemnbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Ghosts from the Past"...

Porsche Carrera.
Photo # KS6_4498-4506.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography. 2014.

"A Cardinal Moment"

This female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) pauses for a moment during a light, winter snow.

Location: central Arkansas. February, 2011.
Photo # KS0_3288a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Family Portrait"...

This family of white-tailed deer are enjoying a family outing at a nearby watering hole. The parents posed well for me, but the four youngsters were having too much fun.

Location: Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas. June, 2014.
Photo # IM3_7894bwc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"King General Merchandise"...

As in most rural, general stores, they are often conveniently alongside the highway. They always have their own personality, local story, often family-owned and always provide a friendly, personable, non-rushed experience. These were often social places to meet and have fun with friends and family. How often do we have these experiences in the new chain stores?

Location: rural Arkansas.
Photo # IM5_1192-1204a. March, 2015.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Deafening Silence"...

Have you ever noticed how quiet everything becomes during the winter snows? The silence can be deafening. In this scenario, prey has a great advantage of hearing anything that sounds out of place.

White-tailed Deer, central Arkansas. February, 2015.
Photo # KS7_4432-33bw2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Water Travel"...

For some, the tranquility of waterfalls transport us to a peaceful, mental place. For some, it may be a different time or location. It can be completely calm or it may be invigorating. Water has such a mesmerizing effect on us. Sometimes it can simply have the effect we want it to have. It can be a familiar landscape or something completely new and refreshing. This photograph looks best full-screen.

Nikon F4s, Fuji Velvia. 1994.
Kings River Falls, Arkansas.
Photo # unKR941-s1asc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Being Occupied, Being Busy"...

At one time, this country home was occupied and likely considered a luxury home having two chimneys. You can almost hear all the voices filling the air. You would also hear a tractor in the background. If you look-up the word 'occupied', you'll see references to 'busied' and 'absorbed'. Today our lives are increasingly more complex, yet we are often captivated by simpler living. What are we missing by having such busy lifestyles?

Location: private property, Searcy County, Arkansas. November, 2014.
Photo # IM3_8770bbws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Being Unique"...

Nature gives us many patterns and forms. All it takes is one small change and you can be unique. This dried reed has formed it's own curled and twisted shape. Be creative. Take a step from the norm.

June, 2014.
Photo # KS5_9940bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Prehistoric Emergence"...

A small moth emerges from an oak tree with its wings prepped for flight. This macro photograph reveals an almost prehistoric creature that could have just as easily appeared in a sci-fi film. The eyes appear almost as if they were man-made.

Moths evolved long before butterflies, fossils having been found that may be 190 million years old. There are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth. Moths frequently appear to circle artificial lights, although the reason for this behavior remains unknown. One hypothesis to explain this behavior is that moths use a technique of celestial navigation called transverse orientation. By maintaining a constant angular relationship to a bright celestial light, such as the moon, they can fly in a straight line.

Likely species: Lunate Zale Moth.
Location: central Arkansas. September, 2009.
Photo # _KS10289.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Seeing a Forest in the Trees"...

I found this row of fungi growing from an old, fallen tree. The shape of the fungi surprisingly mimic the shape of trees with trunks and branches. The bright yellow is mesmerizing.

This fungus is known as "Witches' Butter" (Tremellaceae, Tremella mesenterica), also known as yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, or yellow trembler. It grows on dead deciduous wood year-round. The fruit body has an irregular shape, and usually breaks through the bark of dead branches. It is actually a parasite on other fungi. The yellow jellylike masses create and disperse spores, which float away to begin more "witches' butter" elsewhere.

According to Eastern European legend, when Witch’s butter appears on the gate or door of one’s home that home (and the family) had been targeted by the spell of a witch. The only remedy to remove the evil spell was to pierce the jelly fungus with something sharp 'until it died'. This would likely have little effect, as the fungus is capable of rehydration during moist weather conditions, which would then restore the spell.

Warning: Never eat any mushroom unless you're 100 percent sure of the identification. People are poisoned every year by eating wild mushrooms.

Size: approx. 1" tall.
Photo # KS6_0021-25b. June, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Cardinal Panache"...

A male cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) maneuvers in flight. This wild bird was photographed in the snow, which you can see the dusting on its back.

Photo # KS5_0534c. February, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Vintage Patterns"...

Nature has placed its own brush strokes on this vintage grocery store. Vines, by nature, have weak stems and flourish best when they are able to climb. I found the juxtaposition of the growth of these vines very artful and seemingly candid. Hope you enjoy.

Location: Conway County, Arkansas. This grocery store is no longer standing.
Photo # DSC_0012a. January, 2008.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Glistening Grace"...

A Great Egret (Ardea alba) takes to flight as if orchestrating a choir. These birds are large, white, patient and graceful. Fish are their mainstay diet, but often will dine on amphibians, reptiles and even mice. In the 19th century, due to plume hunters satisfying the fashion trade, their population plummeted by over 90 percent. Today, they represent conservation and their numbers are increasing. The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society. If you study this print closely, you can see a few water droplets falling from the tips of the feathers. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

This is not cropped.
Location: Lake Conway, Conway, Arkansas. January, 2015.
Photo # KS6_7204bw2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"On its way somewhere"...

Water takes many forms and textures, yet it always seems to go with the flow. For some, mesmerizing over the constant flow is enough while others may wonder what it's like to take its journey. Let us enjoy water regardless of what direction it's flowing. Comments welcome. Hope you enjoy.

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas. March, 2008.
Photo # _KS10216bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

A great lesson not only to photography enthusiasts, but also to mankind...

There are only a select few photographers who have inspired me over the decades, not only for their obvious camera-equipment skills, knowledge of exposure, depth of field, lighting, etc, but also for their respect of their subjects (ie: nature). They take the time to study, appreciate and respect what they photograph. One of these select few is Frans Lanting, a long-time National Geographic photographer. Last year, he gave a TED Talk in Vancouver. This is only 3 minutes, but a great lesson not only to photography enthusiasts, but also to mankind -

"Picnic Supplies"...

From a time when picnics were a common thread in society. Whatever happened to that time period? There are still a few small towns that still have a "town square". It's really square and it's usually the main intersection of two highways. In this photo, you'll see Cob's Corner Market, which my guess was a gas station at one time. The inset on the right side suggests a garage door was there at one time and an old gas pump around back. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Kingston, Arkansas. October, 2014.
Photo # IM3_8419bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Beneath the Surface...

While we're out and about in our above-the-ground world, we often forget that there are other parts of this world that are often underappreciated and often undiscovered. In fact, we have yet to explore much of our own underwater world. As always, I spent most of a day appreciating and photographing this special grotto. Regardless of how many times you visit a special place, you just can't get enough of it. What may surprise you is how deafening this waterfall can be. Spending hours here, then going back to the surface was as if I had been teleported to a silent room full of trees.
This is located near the township of Batson, where the population density is only 7 people per square mile! Over one-third of the residents heat their homes with wood instead of electricity or gas. It's such a treat to still have townships like this to visit and spend time.

Johnson County, Arkansas. March, 2015.
Photo # KS7_5924-33h1.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"The Magic Hour" - infrared dimensions between day and night.

For some, the magic hour is the golden hour - just before sunrise or just after sunset. For others it may be the twilight hour. Nature offers us many hours of magic. It's up to us to experience it. If you look closely, you can see a definitive separation between the row of pine trees in the foreground and the oak tree in the background. The light reflecting off the top of the pine trees is actually illuminating the top of the oak tree.
Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. February, 2012.
Photo # IMG_1591ca3.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"A new path"...

Even the smallest difference can be enough to make a difference. Sometimes it doesn't take much to change your perspective, appreciation, respect or opinion about something. In this photograph, a large water droplet rests at the center of this blade of grass. If you look closely, you can see the reflection of the grass and sky at the top of the water droplet. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Central Arkansas.
Photo # KS5_9798bwsa. June, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Vertical Flair...

This male Northern Cardinal makes flight adjustments as the snow falls quietly. Normally, I don't like centered compositions, but this one works for me. Comments welcome.

Location: central Arkansas. February, 2015.
Photo # KS7_3823b.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

On display at a local gallery...

Here's are photographs I have on display at the Art on the Green gallery in Conway! If you'd like to see these in-person, or purchase one for yourself, friend or relative, this is the time!

Artist Highlight...

Hot off the Press:
The May issue of Women's Inc. magazine has me as their Artist Highlight. If you're in central Arkansas, check it out in print. Also, I'll be taking some new art to the gallery very soon!

Clarity...

For some, a visit with nature allows you time to reflect, to rejuvenate, to destress, or even to give you perspective from your daily life. Whatever your reason, nature provides us many wonderful views and experiences if we only take the time. Make the time. This location was such a treat and a very hard climb to get to, especially carrying a lot of gear on slippery rocks, in-and-out of a hollow. To give you some scale, this waterfall is approx. 35 feet tall. There's so much to see in this photograph, even the tiny waterfall on the left side. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

This area is located near the township of Batson, where the population density is only 7 people per square mile.
Johnson County, Arkansas. March, 2015.
Photo # KS7_6010-19hbws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

The EXIF displayed on is wrong. The actual length is just over 4 secs.

"Spring in Arkansas"...

Photo # KS2_5639-43h2. April, 2013.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Make your own path"...

'Going with the flow' doesn't mean you have to take the same path. Don't be afraid to be yourself. If you were like everyone else, the path would be straight and boring. Veer off, change, switch, shift, turn. Be creative. Be yourself. With a closer inspection of this photograph, you can see all the different paths some water molecules decided to take.

Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. March, 2015.
Photo # KS7_6574-78hbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Waiting for gas

This vintage Plymouth is parked alongside what once was a gas tank, as well as a vintage Ford pickup. When this Plymouth was new, the list price was $1,392. The 217ci engine produced 95 hp. A change appreciated by most drivers was the switch from the foot-operated starter pedal to a push button on the dashboard. I was especially drawn to the vine growing inside the car and how it appears as if painted on the windshield.

1947 Plymouth Special Deluxe.
Faulkner County, Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_9355acbw. December, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Open Arms"...

Over 20 years ago, I composed this photograph of the Christ of the Ozarks statue. The setting sun is giving heavenly light not only to this earthly statue, but also to the moon that appears ironically small compared to this 66-foot statue. I hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

November, 1993. Fuji Velvia.
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Photo # Eureka_8_10a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Notations"...

Nature is full of symbols if we take the time to appreciate them. For some, symbols may be sounds, textures, shapes or colors. Whether this tree could simply be a reflection in a lake is almost irrelevant. What you may find interesting is all the 'notations' at the end of every branch. Are these messages that trees are able to send to each other, or are they messages to us? Do you ever ask yourself what nature is trying to tell us? Comments welcome.

Location: Lake Conway, Arkansas. February, 2014.
Photo # IM3_6258c.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"The Race"...

News!
Recently, I was honored and invited by Canon to be one of a select group to be the first to use their new tool for the Project Imagination "The Trailer" contest. I only had one afternoon to shoot this. No planning. Basically, just shoot, upload, edit and publish!
For any of you who enjoy shooting video, this is an awesome tool that allows you to edit the video clips, mix in still photos, and it even includes optional background music and voice-overs! You can choose from a variety of themes/genre's. Really cool stuff. If you enjoy shooting movies, this is a cool way to create a trailer for your movie. And the best part: if you enter the contest and win, Ron Howard will direct a film based on your trailer! Cool.
Watch the trailer that I had created for Canon's Project Imagination "The Trailer" contest website: https://imagination.usa.canon.com/gallery#trailer-332963152

A special thanks goes out to Tom & Luke Oxner for allowing me to photograph/video them on very short notice. Thanks guys!

"The Path"...

Not all paths are clearly defined. When this happens, take advantage and let it be a discovery.

Location: Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas. January, 2013.
Photo # KS2_7774-6bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Nature's Fireworks...

We often underestimate and undervalue the beauty that nature provides us. In a field of Daffodils, this group caught my attention so I spent some composition time with the sunlight. I hope you enjoy. Comments welcome!

Location: Wye Mountain, Arkansas. March, 2004.
Photo # MF212abwsc.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

Water Textures...

Water can take so many forms, that it can easily be mesmerizing to watch. If you study the water detail in this photograph, you may further appreciate the variety of textures and shape water can take.

Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May, 2009.
Photo # KS10026-38abwc2s.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

20 Percent Chance of Rain

A mixture of moisture selectively collects and falls over Petit Jean State Park.

Location: Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas. June, 2014.
Photo # IM3_7859abw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Beyond the Surface...

Sometimes we're too busy looking for beauty on the surface, that we miss the greater beauty which is beneath. Back in 2003, I was photographing this creek and was mesmerized by the beauty beyond the leaves that were floating on top. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas. October, 2003.
Photo # DSC_0005b.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Branches of Time...

This tree has protected this homestead for a long time. The network of branches is amazing. It's just a really cool place to stand and listen. Comments welcome.

Cleburne County, Arkansas. January, 2015.
Photo # IM4_9644-48abw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Dancing in the Breeze...

The sun peeks through the canopy onto the forest floor as most of this Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is moving from a gentle, spring breeze. A few of the stamen did remain still and pose for the photographer, while others were dancing in the breeze. Typically, I share clear, sharp photographs but occasionally I like nature to paint one for me while I photograph. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Lake Maumelle, Arkansas. April, 2013.
Photo # KS2_3501a.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Standing out from the Crowd"...

When you spend enough time with nature, often you'll find that some trees seem to stand-out more to you than others. Whether they resonate more, seem to reach out to you, there is a connection worthy of appreciation. Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.

Location: Faulkner County, Arkansas. April, 2013.
Photo # IMG_9083-84bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

The Pursuit of Sunlight...

When you search for something, it may not be immediately within your reach. You may have to reach further than you have before. If you learn to enjoy the reach, you'll see more sunlight along your path.

Location: near Conway, Arkansas. June, 2009.
Photo # DSC_0136bw2_hr2.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Leave Only Footprints II...

At first glance, you may think this gull has caught two fish in one dive. Unfortunately, this is another photograph of the resilient gull who has a fishing lure hooked at the top of his beak. Thankfully, he was successful in capturing several fish and eating them as I watched him. Hopefully, he'll be able to keep this up until the hooks are dislodged, etc. A lesson to all who wander outside: leave no traces, only footprints.

Location: Lake Conway dam, Conway, Arkansas. 1/26/2015.
Photo # KS6_7560. Not cropped.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Leave Only Footprints...

At first glance, one may think this gull has caught a small fish, but in fact, he's caught a fishing lure. A lesson to all who wander outside: leave no traces, only footprints.
Surprisingly, this gull has adapted to carrying the lure and is shockingly still able to catch and eat fish. I have photo sequences which I will share soon that shows the gull capturing and eating fish while having the hooked-bait on it's beak.

Location: Lake Conway dam, Conway, Arkansas. 1/26/2015.
Photo # KS6_7500.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Leaf Oasis...

Near Bridal Veil Falls, Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Photo # KS6_6520-24a. January, 2015.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Dreams Ashore II...

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_3494c2bw.
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Sept/2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

Uh oh, no brakes!...

The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) commonly gets a running start on take-off, but may need to make quicker decisions on landings.

Location: Magness Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Photo # KS4_6041. January, 2014.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.