Comfort and Style at Wentworth Senior Living
When Tara Phillips from Portsmouth City Lifestyles reached out to me for a new project, I didn't hesitate. Having collaborated with her on several occasions, I was excited about the opportunity to photograph a studio apartment at Wentworth Senior Living for an article highlighting Michael Kierstead, the owner of Seavey's Marketplace.
Upon arriving at Wentworth Senior Living, I was immediately struck by the apartment's bright, sunlit ambiance. The natural light pouring in through the windows made the room feel spacious and airy, perfectly complementing the vibrant yellow pottery pieces Michael had brought along. These accents added a lively and inviting feel to the space, setting the tone for the shoot.
One of the highlights of the shoot was working with Michael Kierstead for the first time in a professional capacity. Our paths had crossed before—my wife and I had furnished much of our home with pieces from Michael's old shop near downtown Portsmouth. I vividly remember spotting a bold mid-century modern orange lounge chair in his window display, which led to a spontaneous shopping spree that helped us complete our new home after moving from California.
In photographing the studio apartment, I focused on Michael's masterful use of color accents to delineate distinct areas within the single-room space. The dining area featured vibrant yellows, while the sleeping area was adorned with calming blues. This clever use of color created a sense of individuality for each space while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious feel. A yellow pillow placed next to the bed and a neutral wood chest of drawers served as bridging elements, tying the two areas together seamlessly.
The friendly and accommodating staff at Wentworth Senior Living made the experience even more enjoyable. As I lugged my gear back and forth, their patience and kindness stood out. One staff member, in particular, gave me a memorable tour of the original Wentworth mansion section of the facility. She showed me the museum room, with its original wallpaper, historic documents from the charter of New Hampshire, and a commanding fireplace. To top it off, she pointed out two small bullet holes in the wall, remnants from the Revolutionary War—an unexpected but fascinating piece of history.
One of my favorite shots from the shoot is of the table adorned with shelves of pottery. Achieving the perfect balance in that image required careful adjustments—pulling the table further from the wall, positioning the chairs just right, and moving the bed a few feet to create a sense of depth. The result was a peaceful and harmonious composition that captured the essence of the space.
Working with Portsmouth City Lifestyle and Michael to photograph this studio apartment at Wentworth Senior Living was an incredibly enjoyable experience. It was great to work with Michael and experience his craftsmanship and attention to detail firsthand. Thank you, Tara, for inviting me back for another project—I can't wait to see the full article in print.