Capturing Craftsmanship: A Morning at Sash & Solder

After photographing the beautifully restored First Church of Christ, Scientist in Concord, New Hampshire, which Tom had been working on, he invited me to his studio in the historic Button Factory Building. This fascinating workspace is just a short walk from my house, and I was excited to capture the essence of where Tom creates his incredible stained glass pieces.

The Button Factory , with its high ceilings and large windows, provided a beautiful backdrop for capturing the essence of Tom's work. The studio was a treasure trove of colorful glass, intricate patterns, and the meticulous craftsmanship that Tom and his team bring to their stained glass restoration projects. The sunlight streaming through the windows illuminated the space, highlighting the textures and colors of the glass in a way that was both subtle and breathtaking.

I was immediately intrigued by Tom's description of his work and the studio space. The idea of capturing the meticulous process of stained glass restoration in a setting with such historical and artistic significance was very appealing. Plus, the opportunity to explore a new aspect of Portsmouth’s creative community was exciting.

With camera in hand, I began to explore the studio, focusing on capturing the essence of the craftsmanship. The intricate details of the glass, the concentration on Tom’s face as he worked, and the way light played off the different surfaces were all crucial elements. I used natural light to enhance the textures and colors without overwhelming the subtle beauty of the glass. One of my favorite moments was when the morning sunlight poured through the studio windows, casting a warm glow on the workbench where Tom was meticulously soldering pieces of glass together. It was a serene moment that perfectly captured the blend of artistry and craftsmanship.

Throughout the shoot, I faced the challenge of capturing the fine details in a way that conveyed the artistry without cluttering the image. I overcame this by using a shallow depth of field to focus on specific elements and by framing the shots to highlight the most visually interesting aspects of the studio. This project reinforced my love for exploring and documenting the creative processes of artists. It deepened my connection to Portsmouth by allowing me to discover and showcase the hidden gems within the community.

While still working out new techniques and styles for my photography, I was leaning heavily on black and white to work on dramatic and storytelling compositions. This shoot was just me and my camera. Everything was handheld, using a 24-70 lens, allowing for a broad range of perspectives, including macro close-ups. It’s by far my favorite all-around lens.

Our friendship really allowed me a sense of freedom with this project. Were he a client, the relationship, expectations, and final product would have been completely different. While the photos themselves may not be as finished and polished as the work I had created in the past and hope to create in the future, it really was a liberating and purely creative experience that taught me plenty.

Photographing Sash & Solder was not just about capturing beautiful images; it was about telling a story of passion, creativity, and the intricate craft of stained glass restoration. I hope these photos convey the dedication and artistry that Tom and his team bring to their work and offer a glimpse into the rich artistic tapestry of Portsmouth.

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

If you are an architect, builder, or interior designer in Portsmouth, NH, looking for a skilled photographer to capture the essence of your projects, I would love to collaborate with you. Whether it’s highlighting intricate craftsmanship, innovative designs, or the unique atmosphere of a space, my goal is to create images that tell a compelling story and showcase your work in the best possible light.