"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.