Having lived in northern New Hampshire more than 30 years, longtime NHSPA member photographer Fletcher Manley has created a large body of work.  He has curated that work for a new book coming out this year.  

“Above the Notch” is a visual commentary on community and life above Franconia Notch (“the Notch” as it is known here) in New Hampshire. The Notch is locally known as the dividing line between central and northern New Hampshire. The book is a collection of 90 photographs with interspersed short text captions. Its main purpose is to raise awareness of the importance that wild lands play in the economic and spiritual value of northern New Hampshire. 

Manley also wanted to use his creative skills as a photographer to help a local nonprofit. “As a way of using my creative abilities to return something to our ‘North Country’ community, I am pleased that Taproot NH (www.taprootnh.org), a locally based 501 (c) (3) organization with a  focus on Education, Environment, and Nutrition, will benefit from the sale of these books.”

When asked about how he chooses what to photograph, Manley said, “Rarely do I set out to photograph things specifically but remain open to respond to what may be revealed of something, of some place, some person, by its form, color, light, dynamic.”  He compared his approach to photography to painting. “The artist at his easel places a frame around what is seen by his mind’s-eye to reveal a harmonic whole, [building] his image slowly and methodically. [The photographer] is looking and seeing outwardly from within [and captures the scene] quickly—seizing the moment, as I like to think of it.”

“Above the Notch” is a 60-page, 9x6 inch, softcover book.  The book will be printed by Puritan Capital of Hollis, NH, and published by Bondcliff Books (www.bondcliffbooks.com). 

While the book is designed to be affordable, Manley is currently seeking the last bit of funding to enable publication of “Above the Notch” in time for the 2023 Autumn and Christmas market season. The “Governor Wesley Powell Fund of NHCF” has pledged $1,000 as an initial grant. If you would like to participate in the success of this project, please contact Fletcher Manley. Tax deductible donations may be made directly to Taproot Farm & EE, 101 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584. Checks should be noted as “Book Project.”

You can view a short YouTube video about the book HERE.