Whistling Oyster: The Harmony of Old and New
When I was asked by Portsmouth City Lifestyle Magazine to photograph a historic home in Perkins Cove, I was excited to work with two longtime clients—Great Northern Builders and the magazine itself. This wasn’t just any property; it was a family home that had been passed down through generations. The combination of its rich history and modern updates promised to be a captivating subject for my lens.
A Perfect Blend of Old and New
What stood out to me about this home was the striking contrast between two distinct styles—traditional and modern—that were woven together seamlessly. The great room, with its dark wood walls, vaulted ceiling, eclectic décor, and majestic stone fireplace, felt like it came from a different era. It was full of character and stories, a space that seemed to have been plucked straight from another generation. In contrast, the kitchen, with its clean lines, modern wood beams, and updated design, exuded a sense of contemporary elegance. Together, these two styles created a perfect balance, and I was eager to capture that harmony.
The challenge—and the reward—was capturing how these two distinct styles complemented each other, rather than competing for attention. The great room and kitchen were so different in style, yet they worked together in such a natural way that I wanted to highlight how they coexisted without looking out of place.
Balancing Light and Detail
Shooting the great room was a unique challenge, especially with the natural light streaming through the large windows and the dark wood throughout the space. The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dark wood was stark, and it was a delicate balance to ensure that the rich texture of the wood didn’t get lost, while still bringing out all the fine details in the room. I worked to make sure the light illuminated the space in a way that showcased the beauty of the wood and the eclectic pieces inside, without overwhelming the image.
Staging was also key in maintaining the room’s cozy, lived-in feel. I wanted to give the room that “chock-full of interesting things” look, but without it feeling cluttered. Everything had to be carefully placed, especially around the fireplace, to ensure the space felt inviting and warm without blocking the view of that majestic feature.
The kitchen, on the other hand, was all about capturing the clean lines and sleek surfaces without overexposing them. There weren’t as many elements in the space, so every detail had to be carefully staged. One small move could have thrown off the entire balance of the photo. It was important to show the beauty of the design while keeping the focus on the space itself.
The Story of the Home in Every Frame
What I wanted to convey through these images was how the great room, living room, and kitchen—despite their differences in style—came together to create a unified home. These rooms each had their own identity, but they flowed into one another in such a way that they felt like they belonged together. It wasn’t about highlighting one space over the other, but rather telling the story of the house as a whole.
A Deeper Appreciation for Design
This shoot gave me a deeper appreciation for both traditional and modern design. It was almost like tasting two wines next to each other, where each brought out the best in the other. By seeing both styles side by side, I was able to appreciate how the characteristics of one can enhance the other, and how they can work together to create something truly special.
Capturing the story of this family home—rich in history yet embracing modernity—was an experience I was honored to be a part of. It was a space where the past and present not only coexisted but thrived together, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph that harmony.
If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture the unique character and beauty of your home or project, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help tell your story through the lens.