Originally from Mystic, Connecticut, Charles Estabrooks (Mister E.) is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY (Class of '86). Estabrooks earned his B.S. in Building Sciences and Bachelor of Architecture degrees after many long nights at the School of Architecture.

While putting the finishing touches on his thesis project, Estabrooks turned to the dark side when he joined three fellow RPI renegades who realized architecture was beneath their stature. Together they launched a startup venture developing software for the emerging architectural and engineering CAD market. This proved to be nearly as much fun as college and much more lucrative. Some small remnant of his code may still be embedded in the depths of AutoCAD Raster Design (Formerly CAD Overlay).

His childhood passion for black and white photography gradually “developed” into a rewarding career as Estabrooks began shooting for fellow alumni who had gone on to become architects. Spending time in the dark room slowly displaced sitting in front of the computer. In 1994, he left Image Systems Technology to pursue photography full-time, which turned out to be even more fun than the software business.

Always interested in expanding his skills, Estabrooks later spent two years as Staff Photographer at R. T. Blass Marketing & Communications in Old Chatham, NY where he studied under renowned industrial photographer Tracy Woodworth. At this point, Estabrooks' conversion to the dark side was complete. He flourished in the pitch black of the studio, devoid even of the amber glow of the cathode ray tubes that had gaiven him comfort.

But this was not to last. In 1996, Estabrooks relocated his family to the beautiful Ocean State in order to avoid the harsh Upstate New York winters and take advantage of more favorable sailing conditions. Occasionally when conditions were unsuitable for sailing, Estabrooks provided commercial photography and digital imaging services from his downtown Westerly loft, “Above Elite Studios”, which he shared with four lovely artists of the female variety.

In 2008, Estabrooks was appointed as Stonington Deputy Harbormaster by Governor Rell which continues to provide another excuse for spending time out on the water.

Eventually, Estabrooks decided to join the family business and obtained his Connecticut teaching certification. He currently teaches computer science, engineering and technology at Ledyard High School, where he also serves as the faculty advisor for the Ledyard Cyber Colonels FIRST Robotics Team 1740, 2020 Woodstock District Winner.

On windy days between May and October, he can usually be found somewhere out on Fisher’s Island Sound attempting to avoid the rocks. Unless it's Tuesday.