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FOWL PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURES CROWD AT ARTS CENTER

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, November 6, 2009 2:20 AM CST

Photography and hunting enthusiasts alike flocked to the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas Thursday night for the opening of “First Shooting Light,” an exhibit of duck hunting photography.

Pictures capturing the appeal of hunting clubs along the Mississippi Flyway — including Five Oaks Hunting Club owned by George H. Dunklin and his sister, Deborah Dunklin Tipton — was the focus of the exhibit and reception.

Murray Riss, a photographer from Memphis, said he enjoyed the assignment because he took personal photos of a unique culture.

“It’s a very private world — hunting clubs,” said Susan Schadt, president and chief executive officer of ArtsMemphis, which published the book entitled “First Shooting Light.” The proceeds from its sale will benefit the arts, conservation and environmental education, a spokesman said.

The book, “First Shooting Light,” includes interviews with club members and has more than 200 photos from Riss’ forays with duck hunters.

So far, 4,000 copies of the book have sold, Schadt said.

Dunklin also attended the exhibit Thursday.

“He’s an amazing artist,” Dunklin said.

He said he especially remembers a photo of one hunter and his dog.

“He did a nice job of capturing the moment,” Dunklin said. “It’s not about the kill, it’s about the experience.”

The concurrent reception was catered by Five Oaks Catering and included duck in various forms — cubed with carrots in an egg roll and sliced with sweet sauce on a blini.

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