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