Saturday, February 15, 2025

Antiquity Project: The Hall of Springs


Antiquity Project // The Hall of Springs
Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, New York
Large Format Image 

This is the latest image in my Antiquity Project series—a large format photograph of the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, New York. This ongoing series documents historic and iconic locations throughout the Capital Region using traditional photographic techniques and compositional aesthetics that reflect the craftsmanship of the past.

Photographers of the late 1800s approached their work with a methodical eye, carefully composing each frame with an understanding of light, shadow, and spatial depth. They embraced long exposures, allowing time itself to etch details into their glass plates and film. Every photograph was an act of patience, requiring deliberate framing and an understanding of how architecture interacts with its environment. These techniques shaped how we remember the past—through grand, atmospheric images that conveyed a sense of permanence and place.

That same philosophy guided my capture of the Hall of Springs, a structure built in 1935 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vision for Saratoga Spa State Park. Designed to reflect the neoclassical elegance of the Roosevelt and Lincoln Bathhouses, the Hall of Springs was once the grand entrance to the park’s legendary mineral baths, where visitors came to “take the waters” for their reputed healing properties. With its sweeping colonnade and soaring windows, the Hall has since evolved into a premier event space, but its grandeur remains unchanged. A reminder of Saratoga Springs's storied past. 

Shot on large format film with a long exposure, this image captures the Hall of Springs in the way photographers of the past might have seen it—not just as a building, but as a living piece of history, where light and time converge.

You can view the entire Antiquity Project here.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Antiquity Project: Harmony Mills by Gaslight Carte de Visite


Harmony Mills by Gaslight Carte de Visite // 2025
Cohoes, New York

This image is a modern recreation of a carte de visite of Harmony Mills in Cohoes, New York, part of my ongoing Antiquity Project. Captured yesterday morning, I have digitally transformed it into a scene that could have been photographed in the late 1800s. The horses were added in post-production to complete the historical setting, while the rest remains largely unaltered, aside from atmospheric enhancements for dramatic effect. 

The original image and the intermediate effect image are in the comments.

 
What is a Carte de Visite?
A carte de visite (CDV) was a small photographic print, typically mounted on a card, that became widely popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. Introduced in France by André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in 1854, CDVs were commonly used as portraits exchanged among friends and family, or collected in albums as keepsakes. Their affordability and standardized size allowed photographers to produce multiple copies efficiently, helping them establish a sustainable business. The widespread appeal of CDVs turned photography into a more accessible and profitable profession, enabling studios to thrive in an era when having one’s portrait taken was a luxury. They are still quite common at antique dealers.

The History of Harmony Mills
Harmony Mills, a defining landmark of Cohoes, New York, was once the largest textile mill complex in the United States. Constructed between the 1830s and the late 19th century, it became a powerhouse of industrial production, primarily manufacturing cotton textiles. The mills took advantage of the powerful Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River, using hydropower to drive their machinery. At their peak, the mills employed thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants drawn to Cohoes for economic opportunity.

By the early 20th century, the decline of the textile industry led to the gradual closure of the mills, and the buildings fell into disuse. However, they remain a striking example of industrial architecture, with their brick facades and iconic clock towers still dominating the city’s skyline. Today, Harmony Mills has been repurposed into modern loft apartments, preserving its historic character while serving as a reminder of Cohoes' industrial heritage.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Antiquity Project: Ruins of the Central Warehouse



Antiquity Project: Ruins of the Central Warehouse
Albany, New York
Large Format Image 

Long Exposure
Built in 1927, Albany’s Central Warehouse was a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility located near Montgomery Street. Designed to preserve perishable goods like meat, fish, and dairy, it played a vital role in regional commerce due to its proximity to railroads and the Hudson River. Its thick, reinforced concrete structure and windowless design ensured optimal temperature control for the era.

As Albany’s industrial era faded, the warehouse fell into disuse, becoming largely abandoned by the 1980s. Efforts to repurpose it were hindered by ownership disputes, unpaid taxes, and bureaucratic challenges. Over time, the decaying structure became a controversial landmark, viewed by some as a relic of the past and by others as an eyesore.

In February 2025, the Advance Albany County Alliance assumed control of the property and is currently evaluating bids for its demolition, sparking debate over whether to erase or preserve this piece of Albany’s industrial history.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved


Monday, February 10, 2025

Antiquity Project: The Twin Bridges


Antiquity Project: The Twin Bridges  
Colonie, New York 
Large Format Image 
Description: Winter storm clouds passing over the Twin Bridges captured in light and silver.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
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All Rights Reserved
 

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Albany in the Snow | 02.06.2025


Albany in the Snow | 02.06.2025
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Antiquity Project: The Fortress




The Antiquity Project: The Fortress
Troy, New York
Large Format Image 

This series is part of my Antiquity Project, capturing landscapes reminiscent of the late 1800s through traditional photography techniques. Photography of that era emphasized expansive views, revealing as much detail as possible. The Fortress, with its imposing form and historical significance, is a perfect subject for the project.

Troy’s “Fortress of Shoddy” stands as a striking reminder of the city’s industrial heyday. Located at 1 Jackson Street in South Troy, this six-story Romanesque Revival structure was built in 1902 as a warehouse for the United Waste Manufacturing Co., a leading producer of “shoddy”—fabric made from recycled wool and cotton scraps. Once essential for workwear and even military uniforms, shoddy’s reputation for poor quality led to the industry’s decline.

The building’s fortress-like architecture, complete with corner turrets, a central tower, and massive brick walls, symbolized the strength of Troy’s industrial power. Surviving hazardous conditions, including a deadly fire in 1908, the structure has since served various purposes. Its raw, timeless design—with towering beams, vaulted corridors, and minimal windows—offers the perfect opportunity to capture images that could have been taken in the late 1800s. The Fortress stands as a symbol of Troy’s industrial past and an ideal subject for my Antiquity Project.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Blue and Gold | 02.01.2025


Blue and Gold | 02.01.2025
Grafton, New York

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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All Rights Reserved


Tomhannock | 02.01.2025


Tomhannock | 02.01.2025
"Winter is not a season; it’s an occupation of silence."

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
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www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Erin Elizabeth | 01.30.2025


The Erin Elizabeth | 01.30.2025

The towboat Erin Elizabeth passed through the open Livingston Avenue Bridge this morning, breaking ice as it eased north along the Hudson River in Albany, New York .

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Antiquity Project: The Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel Stereograph



Antiquity Project: The Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel Stereograph 
Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, New York 
Large Format Image, Stereograph 

As part of my Antiquity Project, which focuses on capturing and restoring landscapes and historic sites in the Capital Region through century-old photographic techniques, I set out to create something that would connect me to the photographers of the past: my own stereograph. After countless hours studying and restoring stereographs from the late 1800s, examining their techniques and artistic choices, I realized it wasn’t enough to simply research the process—I needed to experience it firsthand.

This project gave me a new understanding of the craft of early photography. From the careful setup for dual exposures to the challenge of capturing light and depth to create the illusion of three dimensions, I learned that these photographers weren’t just documenting—they were crafting stories. Seeing this firsthand deepened my appreciation for their work and the lengths they went to bring their subjects to life.

In addition to making my own stereograph, I designed a historically inspired photographer’s maker’s mark—a personal emblem like those used by studios of that era. Through both the restoration and creation process, I was able to step into the shoes of these early image-makers, gaining insight into their world and preserving their legacy through my own work.

What is a Stereograph?

A stereograph, or stereoscopic card, was like the virtual reality of the 1800s. It’s a pair of nearly identical photographs mounted side by side. When viewed through a stereoscope, the two images merge into one, creating a three-dimensional effect that feels surprisingly modern.

In their heyday, stereographs weren’t just images—they were adventures. They brought faraway places, historical moments, and stunning landmarks like the Gardner Earl Chapel right into people’s homes. Photographers of the time worked meticulously to frame every detail, pulling viewers into the scene. The chapel’s towering spire, stained glass masterpieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and ornate interior would have amazed audiences, making them feel as if they had stepped inside this architectural marvel.

Stereographs didn’t just entertain—they educated. They helped people see the world in new ways, shaping perspectives and sparking curiosity. It’s remarkable to think that something so simple could pave the way for modern 3D imagery, but it did. These little cards remind us of how powerful images can be when they’re designed to make us stop, look, and wonder. The Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel is the perfect subject to honor this photographic tradition.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Oakwood Cemetery Footbridge Ruins | 01.26.2025


Oakwood Cemetery Footbridge Ruins | 01.26.2025
Troy, New York

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Antiquity Project: Cohoes Falls Stereograph




Antiquity Project: Cohoes Falls Stereograph 
Cohoes, New York 
Large Format Image, Stereograph 

As part of my Antiquity Project—which explores landscapes in the Capital Region through century-old photographic techniques—I set out to create something that would truly connect me to the past: my own stereograph. After countless hours studying stereographs from the late 1800s, I felt it was time to move beyond simply researching them and experience the process of making one myself.

This stereograph features the Cohoes Falls, captured in a way that honors the techniques of historic landscape photographers. They had this remarkable ability to show as much of the scene as possible, making every detail—from the rushing water to the rocky edges—feel alive. To bring this piece to life, I hand-colored the accompanying image, a time-honored practice that added warmth and vibrancy. I also designed a historically accurate photo logo and used 19th-century-inspired typefaces to keep the aesthetic true to its roots.

What is a Stereograph?

A stereograph, or stereoscopic card, was like the virtual reality of the 1800s. It’s a pair of nearly identical photographs mounted side by side. When viewed through a stereoscope, the two images merge into one, creating a three-dimensional effect that feels surprisingly modern.

In their heyday, stereographs weren’t just images—they were adventures. They brought faraway places, historical moments, and stunning landscapes right into people’s homes. Photographers of the time worked carefully to show every detail, framing their shots to pull viewers into the scene. Whether it was a sweeping mountain range or a bustling city street, the images felt immersive, almost like stepping into another world.

Stereographs didn’t just entertain—they educated. They helped people see the world in a new way, shaping perspectives and sparking curiosity. It’s amazing to think that something so simple could pave the way for modern 3D imagery, but it did. These little cards remind us of how powerful images can be when they’re designed to make us stop, look, and wonder.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved

Monday, January 6, 2025

Deer and Bridge | 01.06.2025


Deer and Bridge | 01.06.2025
Castleton-on-Hudson, New York 

Note: A deer peeks out from beneath the Alfred H. Smith Memorial Bridge in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Nipper Sunrise | 01.04.205


Nipper Sunrise | 01.04.2025
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

Friday, January 3, 2025

Sunset Over the Palace Theater | 01.03.2025


Sunset Over the Palace Theater | 01.03.2025
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Happy New Year!


As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, I want to thank each of you for your support and engagement with my photo and historical projects. Whether this year was challenging or rewarding, we’ve made it through together.

Wishing you all a joyful and inspiring New Year!

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved 


Monday, December 30, 2024

Rain and For in the Collar City | 12.29.2024









Rain and Fog in the Collar City (Series) | 12.29.2024
Troy, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

The Kenmore (North Pearl Rain) | 12.13.2024


The Kenmore (North Pearl Rain) | 12.13.2024
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Antiquity Project: Shop Truck and the steamboat Lac du Saint Sacrement

 



Antiquity Project: Shop Truck and the steamboat Lac du Saint Sacrement

Lake George
Large Format Image

Shop Truck and the steamboat Lac du Saint Sacrement rest side by side at the pier in Lake George, New York on a cold morning with the snow-capped Southern Adirondacks in the background—a scene steeped in history and perfectly suited to the Antiquity Project. Captured with a large-format view camera using century-old technology, the image captures a moment that could easily belong to the past. The steamboat’s name, Lac du Saint Sacrement, pays homage to the lake’s original settler title, given by Jesuit priest Isaac Jogues in 1646. Meaning "The Lake of the Blessed Sacrament".

Hand Colored Version, Image 1

For more than two centuries, the Lake George Steamboat Company has been woven into the fabric of the lake’s history. Established in 1817 with the James Caldwell, the company’s first steamboat marked the beginning of a new era in transportation, carrying passengers and freight along the pristine waters of Lake George. The James Caldwell was a modest vessel by today’s standards, taking eight hours to complete its route, but it represented a significant advancement for the region at the time. Over the years, the company expanded its fleet, introducing vessels that became iconic symbols of life on the lake.


Hand Colored Version, Image 2

The Mohican II, launched in 1908, has endured over a century and remains one of the oldest passenger vessels still in operation in the United States, a living artifact of another era. The Lac du Saint Sacrement, launched in 1989, reflects a more modern chapter in the company’s story, with its name hearkening back to the lake’s original title given by Isaac Jogues in 1646. The company has weathered challenges that mirror the broader currents of American history, from the economic devastation of the Great Depression, which saw several steamboats retired, to the wartime reductions in service during World War II.

Yet, the steamboat company has always found a way to adapt and endure. Its history is not merely one of business but of transformation, reflecting the evolving relationship between people and the landscapes they treasure. 


© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
 
 

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Antiquity Project: Vaudeville Amrquee


Antiquity Project: Vaudeville Marquee
Schenectady, New York
Large Format Image

Vaudeville was once the heart and soul of entertainment in Schenectady, New York. In its heyday, the city buzzed with excitement as theaters came alive with laughter, music, and awe-inspiring acts. Proctor’s Theatre, a crown jewel of the time, opened its doors in 1926 and quickly became the place to be. Locals and out-of-towners would gather under its glowing marquee, eager to see everything from slapstick comedians and soulful singers to magicians who made the impossible seem real. Though the vaudeville era has passed, the spirit of those performances lives on in Schenectady with this classic marquee.

This image is part of the Antiquity Project, captured with a vintage view camera, an optic mounted on the end of a large bellows with focus controls on both ends. The project aims to create traditional photographs of iconic landmarks in the Capital Region as if they were taken 100 years ago. Each image is composed with the aesthetics of the period in mind, aiming to convey the essence of the scene rather than capturing intricate details. The series is a collection of images that closely resemble photographs from a century ago, created using much of the same technology available during that era.


© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved  



Friday, November 29, 2024

Tough Turkey Day in Troy, New York | 11.28.2024

 


Tough Turkey Day in Troy, New York | 11.28.2024
Troy, New York 

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved  

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Antiquity Project: Cohoes Falls


Antiquity Project: Cohoes Falls
Large Format Image

This is the second installment in my Antiquity Series, a project that uses 100-year-old technology to capture images that feel as though they’ve been pulled directly from the past. This photograph was taken with a 4x5 view camera, a straightforward yet precise device featuring a large bellows and focus controls on either end. The image is composed on a ground glass screen, appearing upside down until captured—a process requiring patience, skill, and the use of a focusing hood to block out extraneous light while composing the shot.

The composition of this image is a deliberate nod to the classic landscape photographers of the time, reflecting their dedication to balance, scale, and light. Framed to emphasize the grandeur of Cohoes Falls, it captures both the natural wonder and its surrounding elements in a way that evokes the awe those photographers sought to inspire.

The Falls
Cohoes Falls, the second-largest waterfall in New York State, spans roughly 1,000 feet across and rises up to 90 feet high. Situated on the Mohawk River, a vital waterway in northeastern New York, the falls straddle the city of Cohoes and the town of Waterford.

Known to the indigenous Mohawk as “Ga-ha-oose,” meaning “the place of the falling canoe,” the falls carry with them a legacy of legend and history. One tale speaks of a chief’s daughter who drifted over the edge while asleep in her canoe, her story forever tied to the cascading waters.

The first European settlers to encounter Cohoes Falls in the 17th century were captivated by its power and scale, long before Niagara Falls became widely accessible. To early Americans, the falls represented not only natural beauty but also industrial potential, shaping the development of the surrounding communities.

By using technology and techniques authentic to the period, this photograph honors the early photographers who sought to preserve such wonders for future generations reminiscent of what you would find in 100-year-old guidebook.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved  

Monday, November 25, 2024

Antiquity Project Series 1: Albany

 


















Antiquity Project Series 1: Albany
Large Format Images

These images were captured using a view camera, a large-format device with bellows and adjustable front and rear standards, renowned for its ability to produce detailed and precise images. Dating back to the 19th century, this traditional camera design adds a fascinating contrast to the modern cityscape—it’s quite the experience carrying it through contemporary streets, and it certainly turns heads.

Series 1 presents Albany as it might have been photographed a century ago. Using the same composition techniques and an eye for documentary-style imagery, I’ve aimed to recreate the visual language of that era. Photographers of the time sought to “show the scene” as fully as possible, often focusing on detail and completeness. To stay true to that approach, I’ve worked to omit all traces of modern life, producing images that likely look much as they would have 100 years ago—captured with the same kind of photographic gear.

Working with primitive analog photography has profoundly influenced my approach to modern photography. The deliberate process of setting up a view camera, carefully composing each frame, and waiting for the perfect moment demands patience, precision, and a deeper understanding of light and form. This slower, more intentional style sharpens the eye for detail and storytelling. It’s a reminder that the roots of photography—seeing, composing, and connecting—transcend time and technology.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved