Architectural Intelligence: A Historic & Thoughtful New England Farmhouse

I’m thrilled to share my first experience as an architectural photographer working with Portsmouth City Lifestyle Magazine, capturing a stunning 1796 farmhouse for an article featuring Sheri Gibson of Rein & Co. Design. This project was particularly memorable, not just for the beautiful subject but for the adventure that came with it, making it a perfect showcase for my architectural photography portfolio.

The night before the scheduled shoot, a massive winter storm hit the Portsmouth, NH area. The editor of the magazine and the homeowner both expressed concerns about whether we should postpone. However, I suggested we stick to the plan and hope for a winter wonderland. My gamble paid off; the storm left behind a breathtaking snowy landscape that provided the perfect backdrop for the shoot. When I first saw the farmhouse after the storm, I loved it! It was exactly what I was hoping for. With the snow ending just before dawn, the snow was pristine, even on the road, but especially in the yard and field around the house.

On the morning of the shoot, the farmhouse was blanketed in fresh snow, transforming the property into a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale. Here are some of my favorite shots from that day:

Despite the heavy snowfall, there weren't many challenges during the shoot. Once I finished shooting outside, we all headed indoors where it was warm and cozy. The feature article by Ann Kathryn Kelley highlights Sheri Gibson’s unique approach to interior design, which merges her background in art and psychology. Sheri’s philosophy is all about creating spaces that reflect her clients' tastes and lifestyles, ensuring each design is both beautiful and meaningful.

While I loved the kitchen the most for its modern feel and view, the “nook” with its majestic fireplace and exposed beams also felt quintessentially New England, presenting that cozy feel I was looking for. Sheri’s style of mixing old and new in a thoughtful and eclectic manner was a real pleasure to shoot. About a week before the shoot, we all scouted the house together. From this, we had detailed conversations about how we wanted to showcase the home and Sheri’s philosophy of how the home was styled.

One unexpected moment was Sheri’s dog, who was fantastic. He was so chill and relaxed that he allowed us to place and pose him exactly where we wanted him, and he stayed there while I moved around, lighting and shooting the room. The style and process of this shoot were similar to other architectural photography projects, but there were added pressures, like making room for text and considering orientation. It’s crucial to get the right shot for each space since you’re not likely to show alternate angles of the same room in one article. Both the magazine and Sheri loved the photos, and we’re hoping to work together on other projects.

For those shooting in challenging weather conditions, dress warm! I wore my full ski suit bib, with Sorel snow boots and special cold weather gloves for photographers that allow you to flip the fingertips back when shooting. My philosophy is to showcase the space in the best light while being true to the actual space. This means enhancing the things in the frame that are important, but not faking things. I aim to present the space the way you remember it, more than how it actually was. We don’t remember power outlets and power cords, but we do remember the warm texture of the cabinet bathed in afternoon light.

For more on this project and to read the full article, check out the March 2023 issue of Portsmouth City Lifestyle Magazine. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my latest projects. Follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography for more.