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.
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
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All Rights Reserved
www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
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