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