The Natural Light and Splendor of First Church of Christ, Scientist

Photography often leads us to unexpected places and wonderful connections. One such connection for me has been my friendship with Tom Driscoll, the owner of Sash & Solder, a stained glass restoration company here in Portsmouth. Our sons play Little League together, and through countless games, we discovered our shared passion for art and craftsmanship.

In one of those conversations, Tom mentioned his work on the restoration of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Concord, New Hampshire. It sounded like a fascinating place to shoot, and I told him how much I’d be interested in capturing the beauty of this historic church. We waited for a good stopping point in the work, and then I headed over to Concord to take some shots.

The reason I was there was for the stained glass, and it certainly did not disappoint. The stunning stained glass windows cast soft, filtered light into the sanctuary, creating a beautiful ambiance that was a delight to capture.

This shoot was both interesting and challenging as I couldn’t use my lights in such a large space. Instead, I had to rely entirely on the natural light streaming through the stained glass windows. Fortunately, these windows provided a magnificent light source, casting soft, filtered, and colorful light in beautiful pools across the room. This natural illumination not only enhanced the atmosphere but also added a dynamic element to the photographs.

The interior of the church is equally impressive, with its majestic wooden arches and detailed woodwork. The rich, dark wood contrasts beautifully with the light walls and ceiling, creating a sense of warmth and reverence. The craftsmanship in the woodwork is truly remarkable, and it was a joy to highlight these details in my photographs.

For those interested in seeing more of my work or learning about Sash & Solder, please visit their website. And as always, follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography for more updates on my photographic journey.