New Hampshire Archives - Ellis Boettger Photography

Photographing Strength: A New Hampshire Powerlifting Meet

As I stepped into the gym and out of the cold, I looked around and saw many of the regulars that frequent that place on a daily basis. For many of them, today was about giving it their all. They were going to put their bodies to their limits in a fight against gravity. And while it’s referred to as a competition, the comraraderrie I felt walking in that day told another story.

For the uninformed, powerlifting is a sport with three specific lifts: Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. Lifters try and lift as much as they can in any or all three. Winners are broken down by gender, age, and any type of assistance they might use, such as lifting suits or straps. Some were so suited up, they coyld barley walk on their own, while others showed up in just the minimum required singlet and t-shirt.

It felt wierd, walking in there with regular clothes. Typically, my normal dress for such a place, would be a pair of 15 year old basketball shorts and a dri-fit shirt that is a little more snug that it needs to be. However, today, I was a spectator, I went to support my girlfriend as she competed.

Of course, I was not going anywhere without bringing my trusty camera. Armed with my Sony A3000 and a Canon 24-70 I took my spot in the second row. This competition already had a photographer, who was nice enough to let me sit beside him at times to get my shot. Therefore, I focused my efforts on my girlfriend and her friends. Needless to say, I was impressed by their efforts. The looks on their faces say it all. They gave it everything they had. As did all of the other lifters.

I left that day wanting more. Next year, it will be me up on the platform along side many others. Hopefully someone else can bring the camera.

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December 27, 2023

Celebrating A Year Together

Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a photo session along the iconic Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains.

The Kancamagus Highway, renowned for its picturesque views and winding roads, provided an exceptional setting. Towering trees, vibrant with seasonal colors, and the rugged terrain served as an ideal canvas for our photography.

The couple’s chemistry was evident, and it was a pleasure to document their interactions amidst such a scenic locale. From casual strolls against the backdrop of mountainous vistas to candid shots framed by the winding river, each photo encapsulated a slice of their connection.

The soft, natural lighting filtering through the forest canopy added an artistic touch to the frames, enhancing the overall aesthetic. It was a harmonious blend of human emotion against the backdrop of untamed nature.

As the session progressed and the light evolved, we captured various moods and expressions, culminating in a series of photographs that truly reflected the beauty of the moment. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, the session drew to a close, leaving us with a collection of images that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the day.

The Kancamagus Highway, with its timeless beauty, provided a fitting stage for this photoshoot. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of photography to document not just scenes but also the interplay between people and the landscapes they inhabit.

December 10, 2023

New Hampshire Fall Mushrooms

Fall in New England is a magical time of year. The landscape transforms into a breathtaking palette of warm hues, and nature puts on a show like no other. While many people turn their cameras towards the changing leaves, I found myself drawn to the forest floor, where a different kind of autumnal wonder awaited – the world of mushrooms. I am excited to share my experience of photographing mushrooms during the fall season and introduce you to the fascinating art of focus stacking to capture these intricate organisms in all their glory.

The Beauty of Fall in New England

New England is famous for its picturesque fall foliage, but the autumnal beauty extends beyond the leaves. The forest floor becomes a canvas of diverse and colorful mushrooms during this season. The mix of fallen leaves, wet weather, and decaying wood creates the perfect conditions for these fantastic fungi to emerge. Each mushroom species boasts its unique colors, shapes, and sizes, making it a paradise for photographers looking to capture the essence of fall

Mushrooms: The Tip of the Mycelial Iceberg

Mushrooms, as captivating as they are, are just the tip of a much larger and intricate organism. What we commonly see are the fruiting bodies of a vast underground network of mycelium, known as the mycelial mat. This network of fine threads serves as the organism’s true body and is responsible for nutrient absorption, decomposition of organic matter, and even communication with other organisms. The mushrooms we photograph serve as a reproductive structure, releasing spores to create the next generation. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the hidden complexity beneath the forest floor.

Capturing the Details: Focus Stacking

Photographing mushrooms, especially in their natural habitat, can be challenging due to a narrow depth of field. This small depth of field is because of the short distance between the lens and the subject. Therefore, capturing the entire mushroom, from its cap to its base, can be impossible with a single shot.

This is where focus stacking comes into play. Focus stacking is a photographic technique that involves taking multiple images with varying focus points and then merging them into a single image in post-processing. By doing this, you can achieve a final image that’s sharp and in focus from front to back, ensuring that every detail of the mushroom is beautifully rendered.

The photo stacking process goes something like this:

Use a tripod: Stacking requires consistent framing. A tripod stabilizes your camera and helps you maintain the same composition for all shots.

Set your camera to manual mode: This ensures that your exposure settings remain consistent throughout the process.

Choose a small aperture: A high f-stop number (e.g., f/11 or higher) will result in a deeper depth of field.

Compose your shot: Focus on the nearest part of the mushroom and take a photo. Then, progressively adjust the focus point further into the scene, capturing more images.

Post-processing: Use image stacking software, in this case Adobe Photoshop to combine the images into a single, fully focused photograph.

Open all of the photos as layers in a new document.

With all layers selected go to Edit>Auto Align Layers then Edit> Auto Blend Layers and select the “Stacking” method.

Viola! You should now have a mushroom that is fully in focus.

November 3, 2023

Exploring True’s Ledges: A Long Exposure Journey

Nestled in a world of natural wonders, True’s Ledges is more than just a summer hotspot. Its refreshing waters and rugged landscapes have always beckoned me for a cool dip on scorching days. But recently, on a cloudy August evening, as daylight waned and the sun prepared its descent, I embarked on a mission to capture the brook’s beauty like never before. Armed with my camera, I opted for a 10-second long exposure technique and monochrome tones to freeze the mesmerizing dance between water and rocks.

Embracing the Moment

The sun remained behind the clouds, casting soft light on True’s Ledges, a tranquil hush replaced the usual sounds of summer. Sensing a rare opportunity, I ventured down into the steep banks of True’s Ledges for some long exposure photography. This technique can transform everyday scenes into dreamlike visions, making it perfect for the serene brook before me.

Long Exposure Unveiled

A Long Exposure is a photographic technique that allows the photographer to capture the passage of time in a single frame. With a 10-second exposure, fast-flowing water turns into a graceful mist, while the rocks gain an ethereal presence amidst the gentle flow.

A Glimpse Into the Geographic Past

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I felt a connection with the space I was in. Beyond the visuals, my lens captured its essence—the peace that envelops it when the world pauses, the stories etched into its rocks, and the unceasing passage of time it witnesses. For thousands of years, water has rushed through the rocks, slowly carving its own passageway. It was art all on its own andI was standing in the middle of it, alone.

More to be Seen

Although I may have captured some of True’s Ledges, I know some spots remain untouched. As daylight faded, I knew I needed to return, to uncover those hidden corners, and to further document the passage of time.

My experiments with long exposures at True’s Ledges was a journey of connection and discovery. It revealed the untold poetry of water and rocks, freezing moments of calm in an otherwise wild brook. True’s Ledges showcases nature’s perfect blend of water and stone, each one slowly forming the other. As this chapter ends, the anticipation of revisiting this sanctuary lingers, much like the brook’s gentle ripples.

View the full gallery down below…

August 25, 2023

Now Accepting Elopements

Diving into elopement photography is an exciting step for me. Elopements are all about genuine, intimate moments, and I’m thrilled to capture these heartfelt connections. With a keen eye for emotions and a knack for highlighting the beauty in simplicity, I’m ready to join couples on their unique journey. Elopements allow for a personal and unscripted story to unfold, and I’m committed to creating images that mirror the authenticity and significance of these special moments.

Anywhere in New England

I’m excited to travel across New England to capture your elopement, wherever it takes us. From the heights of the White Mountains to the shores of Cape Cod, I’m ready for the adventure. Your elopement is a significant part of your story, and I’m here to document it in photos that reflect your journey and love, whether in rugged landscapes or serene beaches.

$ 600

00

3 Hours of Photography includes:
Ceremony Photos
Couples Photos
Family and Guests

August 21, 2023

Tag: New Hampshire