"Scaley Patterns"...

An immature Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) sits on the crest of a rock. Notice how it has its toes raised off the rock to keep them cool from the heat of the rock in the sun. I found the juxtaposition of the light, shadows and patterns interesting.

Eastern fence lizards decrease insect and arachnid populations, which can be pest species in some areas. Their prey include a number of invertebrates such as ants, beetles, moths, spiders, grasshoppers, and stink bugs.

Male Eastern Fence lizards have brightly colored underbellies, some with blue. Males often do "push-ups" or head-bobs to attract mates and to warn other males encroaching on their territory. These are usually in 5 second durations.

Within the past 70 years, according to a study published in 2009, eastern fence lizards in parts of their range have adapted to have longer legs and new behaviors to escape the red imported fire ant.

Photo # 81019_KS10151bw. October, 2008.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Suspended Simplicity"...

There was a time when man-made structures blended more with our environment. They were part of our environment and often a background in our memories. They were simple, functional, an usually minimally intrusive. Will the next generation be able to say the same?

Bridge near Morrilton, Arkansas. July, 2008
Photo # 8705_KS10118-9cbws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.

"Covered Bridge"...

Over a dozen years ago, I photographed this covered bridge. It's a popular location for photographers, which offers it's own challenges. Hope you enjoy.

Location: Burns Park, Little Rock, AR. September, 2006.
Photo # 2006910DSC_0035bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Elk in Horseshoe Park"...

Over 25 years ago, I photographed this herd of elk in Horseshoe Park. The snow began to fall heavy, quickly, as it often can do in Colorado. The Elk were oblivious to the weather change and continued to blend into the landscape.

Elk - Horseshoe Park - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado, 1994.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography.
Photo # CO_35_15bw.
Fuji Velvia.

"Oak Veins"...

Some may look at this photograph and see a large oak tree in winter, with a complex, frozen web structure in the background, while others see it as is. This is a macro photograph of an oak leaf showing the veins and midrib. The Midrib helps to keep the leaf in an upright position and is the central vein of the leaf.

Photo # KS9_0763b.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography. May, 2016.

"Absorbing the environment"...

I often like to take extra time to absorb the environment. When you slow down, you find more to appreciate.

Ozark National Forest, May, 2013
Photo # KS2_6300bws.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography

"Golden Shadows"...

Often there is more to what you see than what meets the eye. You may be surprised by what you're seeing in this photograph. The golden hue in the background isn't a sunset, instead it's the head of a golden mushroom. The dark, vertical shadows are shadows from individual blades of grass. The rough globs is simply dirt atop the mushroom. Or is it? You can decide what you see in this photograph. Interestingly, if you view this from across your room, you'll have yet another perspective.

Photo # 9926_KS10289. September, 2009.
(c) Kelly Shipp Photography