A Photographer's Journey: From the Gridiron to the Garden

The Talk

Shelley Lipton is an award-winning photographer whose lens has captured everything from the explosive energy of the Pittsburgh Steelers to the meditative stillness of her heirloom botanicals. With a PhD in psychology and a career bridging the worlds of professional sport and fine art, she reveals how motion and emotion intertwine—and how a shift from adrenaline to introspection transformed her creative vision.

The Backstory

I am an editorial photographer specializing in professional sports. During the Covid lockdown, access to sports venues was difficult, which motivated me to pivot my focus toward botanicals. My love for covering sports hasn't changed, but my passion for discovering novel perspectives in plants and flowers has blossomed.

I was born and raised on the Canadian prairies before moving to the foothills of the Rockies where I earned a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Calgary. I moved to Sewickley, PA in 1999. But it was back in Saskatchewan where I first connected to seeds and soil and became solidly rooted in them.

In my botanical work, I seek to produce new interpretations of natural subjects, hoping to generate unique, refreshing views of their beauty.

My process is as important to me as my photographs. I often grow what I photograph from seeds that I cultivate. I carefully select species with characteristics that interest me and mesh with my creative vision. From beginning to end, I am connected organically and value being involved in every stage of creating an image.

My botanical photographs are in galleries, private collections, and have been exhibited in Miami, New York City, Santa Fe, and Pittsburgh. I have been commissioned by collectors and am always open to new work. My sports images have appeared in Life, Vanity Fair, Rol

Enjoy delicious tapas, drinks and live music while socializing with friends, neighbors and new acquaintences before each talk. The conversation continues afterwards with Allegheny's hand-made ice cream with toppings, cookies, coffee and tea.

This ticket entitles you to a Tapas Talks 2026 Speakers Series Season Subscription which includes admission to three engaging evenings at the Allegheny Country Club featuring a selection of delicious tapas, live music, cash bar, dessert, coffee and tea, complimentary valet parking and a lecture by these fascinating speakers:

Thursday, February 12, 2026

AI: Why Southwestern PA?  

John Hamilton, CEO, Myriad Communications

 Peter Dailey,  Chairman & CEO, International Electric Power, LLC

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Holistic Health & Wellness: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Sandy Cooper,  CRNP, Functional Medicine Practitioner

Thursday, October 22, 2026

A Photographer's Journey:  From the Gridiron to the Garden

Shelley Lipton, Editorial Photographer

Time:  Tapas & Cash Bar - 6:00 PM 

• Speakers/Panel - 7:15-8:00 PM 

• Q&A – 8:00 – 8:15 PM

• Coffee & Dessert - 8:15-8:45 PM 

DRESS CODE: Please enjoy the talks in appropriate attire. Collared shirts and sport coats. Dresses, skirts, or slacks. No athletic wear, please.