Monday, February 17, 2025

WINDCARVED | Tomhannock


WINDCARVED
| Tomhannock
Long Exposure

The powerful winter storm has moved on, but in its wake, an invading tide of wind remains, surging across the landscape. It slips through the narrowest cracks, burrows into jacket cuffs, and presses against windows with an insistent, restless energy. It rattles rooftops and hums through wires stretched taut between poles, a low, unceasing howl.

Anything not anchored by weight or gravity is at its mercy. Trash barrels tumble, snow lifts from rooftops in swirling plumes, and forgotten objects are sent tumbling across frozen ground. Tree limbs bow and snap, crashing onto power lines and leaving homes in darkness. The wind does not discriminate—it reminds us how delicate the systems we rely on truly are.

Yet, for all its menace, the wind is also an artist. On the Tomhannock, it has sculpted the ice into intricate ridges and wind-swept formations, tracing ephemeral patterns like frozen waves caught mid-motion. Snow, carried in the wind, gathers in sweeping arcs along the shoreline, reshaping the land with each passing gust. It is a fleeting kind of beauty, ever-changing, erased, and rewritten by the next gust.

This is nature’s paradox—chaos and creation intertwined. The wind that shatters also shapes, leaving behind a landscape both fierce and fragile, waiting for the next storm to begin again.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Sunday, February 16, 2025

Standing Watch | 02.16.2025


Standing Watch | 02.16.1025
Ballston Spa, New York 

Heavy snow falls on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Ballston Spa, known locally as “Civil Sam.” Erected in 1888, the monument honors those from Milton, Ballston, and Malta who served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49) | 02.05.2025


Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49) | 02.05.2025

This is a 90-minute telescopic exposure of the Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49): Located about 5,200 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros, the Rosette Nebula spans 130 light-years across. This vast emission nebula glows red from ionized hydrogen, illuminated by the young, hot stars of the central NGC 2244 cluster. Dense molecular gas and dust within the nebula hint at regions of future star formation. A long exposure captures the nebula’s intricate structure, including bright filaments, dust lanes, and the radiant cluster at its core.

The night sky is amazing.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Abandoned Histories: Cornfield Relic | Greene County, New York


Abandoned Histories: Cornfield Relic | Greene County, New York
Large Format Image 

Cornfield relics, rusted and sagging in the tall grass. Above, the sky blurs in streaks of motion. The wind, born on the plains of the Midwest, travels across distances to arrive here now, much like the distant history of the car it brushes against—and the bellows of the large format camera framing its story. Like the relic it frames, the camera has a long, untold story of its own. Its bellows, weathered and lined with years, hold the memories of photos still hanging on some distant wall. 

This car, too, was once on the move, gleaming in sunlight, alive with first dates, road trips, the scent of adventure, and promises of somewhere new. It rolled across long-forgotten roads, passed from person to person, until time finally drove it here. Alone, but not abandoned. Not really.

Objects like this—relics of another time—carry more than rust and wear. They carry people, their stories, their dreams, and restless journeys. They don’t vanish. They linger in the landscape, drifting like the wind, waiting for someone to notice, to pause and wonder how they found their way here.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Tomhannock Ice


Tomhannock Ice | 01.27.2025
Pittstown, New York 


© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Sunday, January 26, 2025

Flight Locks // Waterford, New York


Flight Locks // Waterford, New York 

Large format of the concrete piers at the Flight Locks of the New York State Barge Canal in Waterford New York. 

 The Waterford Flight is a series of five locks that lift boats from the Hudson River (elevation 15.2 feet) at Lock 2 to the Mohawk River (elevation 184 feet) west of Lock 6, just above Cohoes Falls. These locks, each with a lift ranging from 33 to 34.5 feet, raise boats a total of 169 feet over a span of just 1.5 miles. 

When it opened, the Waterford Flight achieved the highest elevation change in the shortest distance for canal locks in the United States. It’s believed that it still holds the record worldwide. For comparison, the Panama Canal has an elevation change of 85 feet, while Canada’s Welland Canal rises 326 feet—but over 27 miles.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Saturday, January 25, 2025

The Horsehead Nebula IC-434 | 01.24.2025


The Horsehead Nebula IC-434  | 01.24.2025

The Horsehead Nebula has always been one of my favorites, and tonight’s clear skies with only 21% moonlight made it a perfect opportunity to capture its delicate beauty. Located in Orion, near the star Alnitak, the easternmost star in Orion’s Belt, this dark cloud of gas and dust stands out dramatically against the glowing red hydrogen of IC-434, the emission nebula behind it.

At about 1,500 light-years away, the Horsehead Nebula is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, a vast region of space where stars are being born. Its distinct shape—resembling a horse’s head—is caused by dense clouds of interstellar dust blocking the light behind it. The surrounding reddish glow comes from hydrogen gas energized by nearby stars, like Sigma Orionis.

Winter skies are perfect for this kind of astrophotography—stable, crisp, and free from heat distortion.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Deep Sky Photography | 01.21.2025

Jupiter and Its Moons 

The Pac-Man Nebula 

Deep Sky Photography | 01.21.2025
Jupiter and Its Moons Jupiter and the Pac-Man Nebula 

Jupiter and Its Moons Jupiter accompanied by its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These tiny points of light lined up near the gas giant, each a fascinating world in its own right, visible even from millions of miles away.

The Pac-Man Nebula (NGC 281)
also known as NGC 281, has a unique shape, living up to its playful nickname. Glowing faintly in hues of orange and pink, it’s a stunning star-forming region surrounded by dark dust and intricate patterns carved by stellar winds and radiation.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Flaming Star Nebula and Orion Nebula | 01.20.2025

Flaming Star Nebula and Orion Nebula | 01.20.2025

Tonight’s clear sky and cold air provide the perfect conditions for deep-space photography. Winter’s crisp atmosphere, with lower humidity and less atmospheric turbulence, enhances visibility, allowing for sharper and more detailed images of the stars and distant galaxies.

Flaming Star Nebula

Orion Nebula 

The magenta image is IC 405, better known as the Flaming Star Nebula. It’s about 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Auriga and gets its fiery appearance from the radiation of a nearby “runaway star” called AE Aurigae. This star was flung out of the Orion region millions of years ago and now lights up the surrounding hydrogen gas, creating that striking magenta glow.

The second image, glowing gold and green, is the Orion Nebula—one of the most famous sights in the night sky. Sitting about 1,350 light-years away, it’s a bustling nursery where stars are born, surrounded by swirling clouds of gas and dust. The colors come from ionized gases lit up by young, massive stars, creating a vibrant, otherworldly masterpiece.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Saturday, January 18, 2025

Bennington Battle Monument Sunrise | 01.18.2025


Bennington Battle Monument Sunrise | 01.18.2025
Bennington, Vermont

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Dawn Over Troy, New York | 01.16.2025


Dawn Over Troy, New York | 01.16.2025

Dawn breaks behind the 17-foot bronze statue of the Goddess Columbia crowned A Call to Arms above the Soldier and Sailors Monument in Troy, New York.

Why Columbia?
Columbia is a personification of the United States in American mythology, symbolizing liberty, justice, and progress. Often depicted as a noble female figure in flowing robes with a torch or shield, Columbia served as an allegory for the nation’s ideals during the 18th and 19th centuries. She was a counterpart to Uncle Sam, representing maternal spirit, influencing symbols like the Statue of Liberty.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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M33 Triangulum Galaxy | 01.15.2025


M33 Triangulum Galaxy | 01.15.2025

Note: The Triangulum Galaxy (M33 or Messier 33) is a stunning spiral galaxy located about 3 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum. It is one of the most distant objects visible to the naked eye under ideal dark-sky conditions. Measuring approximately 60,000 light-years in diameter, M33 is smaller than the Milky Way but still a significant galaxy with a mass estimated at 10–40 billion solar masses. With an apparent magnitude of 5.7, the galaxy is faint but can be seen without a telescope in excellent viewing conditions.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Andromeda | 01.14.2025


Andromeda | 01.14.2025
Note: If Andromeda was brighter in the night sky, it would appear six times larger than our moon.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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M42 Orion Nebula | 01.13.2025


M42 Orion Nebula | 01.13.2025

Believe it or not, we’ve had cloudy skies for almost a month at night. Tonight, the sky finally cleared, so I took the opportunity for some deep space photography. This is what the Orion Nebula (M42) looks like tonight, captured from my backyard at about 6:30.

The Orion Nebula, also known as M42, is a massive cloud of gas and dust in the constellation Orion, where thousands of stars are born. It’s the closest large star-forming region to Earth, located 1,300–1,500 light-years away. Visible to the naked eye, it appears as the middle “star” in Orion’s Belt and as part of the sword hanging below the three belt stars. Best observed in January, it’s a stunning feature of the winter sky, easily spotted under moderately dark skies.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Sunday, January 12, 2025

Starbuck Island from the Troy Waterfront | 01.11.2025


Starbuck Island from the Troy Waterfront | 01.11.2025

Much like watching clouds, observing ice formations can be mesmerizing. Yesterday, these delicate, ethereal shapes floated along the Hudson’s dark waters, each one unique and fleeting. One after another, they drifted past, only to vanish into the ice jam beneath the Congress Street Bridge.

Starbuck Island, located between Green Island and Troy, New York, derives its name from the Starbuck Brothers Foundry established on Center Island in 1821. The foundry was among the early iron manufacturing enterprises in the region, contributing to the area's industrial development during the 19th century. The island's association with the Starbuck family and their foundry led to its naming as Starbuck Island.

Additionally, the name "Starbuck" appears in Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick as the first mate of the Pequod. Melville, who spent part of his early life in the Albany area, may have drawn inspiration from local names during his writing.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Thursday, January 2, 2025

The First Nipper Sunrise of the Year | 01.02.2025

 

The First Nipper Sunrise of the Year | 01.02.2025
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Year's Day


It was a good day to get out and chase some history. I spent some time with Robert Frost—his epitaph reading, “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world,” a sentiment as timeless as The Road Not Taken, where the less-traveled path made all the difference.

Robert Frost (1874–1963) was one of America’s most celebrated poets, revered for his realistic depictions of rural life and his ability to use New England settings to delve into profound social and philosophical themes. A four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Frost crafted iconic works such as The Road Not Taken, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, and Mending Wall. His poetry, distinguished by its conversational tone, masterful use of meter, and deep reflections on nature and human struggles, remains a cornerstone of American literature. Frost is often celebrated for offering insights into life’s complexities that are both profound and accessible.

Walking through the Old Bennington Cemetery, it’s hard not to be moved by the history etched into its weathered stones, especially the patriots who rest here—heroes whose sacrifices shaped the course of the American Revolution.

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Sun Detail | 12.31.2024


Sun Detail | 12.31.2024

The sunspots you see are dark, cooler regions on the Sun’s surface caused by intense magnetic activity. They vary significantly in size, typically ranging from about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) to 50,000 kilometers (31,068 miles) in diameter. To put this into perspective, many sunspots are as large as Earth, which has a diameter of approximately 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles). Some sunspots can grow even larger; for instance, the largest sunspot ever recorded, AR 14886, was nearly the diameter of Jupiter—about 88,846 miles (142,984 kilometers).
Sunspots expand and contract as they move across the Sun’s surface and can last from several days to a few months. Their size and frequency fluctuate in an approximately 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle, with more and larger sunspots appearing during periods of increased solar activity.

It’s important to note that while sunspots appear dark compared to the surrounding solar surface, they are still extremely bright. If isolated from the Sun, a sunspot would shine brighter than the full Moon. © 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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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
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Saturday, December 28, 2024

Sunrise in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve | 12.28.2024


Sunrise in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve | 12.28.2024
Albany, New York 

© 2025 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

John Bulmer Partners with National Sawdust for "Dark Sky: A Night of Music and Imagery"


John Bulmer Partners with National Sawdust for "Dark Sky: A Night of Music and Imagery"

Brooklyn, NY – December 24, 2024 – Photographer and DarkSky International Delegate John Bulmer is thrilled to announce his partnership with National Sawdust, one of New York’s premier performance spaces, to present Dark Sky: Music by Kaija Saariaho, Caroline Shaw, Andrew Yee, & More. The event, scheduled for February 12, 2025, will blend celestial photography and world-class music in an unforgettable celebration of art and conservation.

The NS+ program, hosted by Elena Park, will also feature Yee performing their own work and Allen on piano, as well as readings and poetry. The evening, showcasing photography by DarkSky International Delegate John Bulmer, will focus on the critical preservation of the night sky, exploring local and global efforts to reduce light pollution and protect animals, humans, and the environment.


Bulmer’s night sky photography will be projected in large format across the performance space, creating an immersive visual backdrop for a star-studded lineup of performers, including Grammy-winning cellist Andrew Yee, soprano Susanna Phillips, and the innovative Fourth Wall Ensemble, led by Christopher Allen. The program will also feature readings and poetry, all centered on the critical need to preserve the night sky and combat light pollution.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that art has afforded me to collaborate and connect with others,” said Bulmer. “Preserving the night sky is not only about beauty—it’s about safeguarding an essential part of our natural world for future generations. Working with National Sawdust and these extraordinary artists gives me a platform to inspire change through the intersection of art and advocacy. I hope this evening will move audiences to appreciate and protect the fragile beauty of our dark skies.”

The event is part of National Sawdust+’s For Nature series, which explores the interplay between the natural world and human creativity. Hosted by Elena Park, the evening promises a unique blend of music, imagery, and conversation designed to inspire and educate audiences about the importance of environmental conservation.

Tickets for Dark Sky: A Night of Music and Imagery are available at National Sawdust’s website.

For press inquiries, please contact:
John Bulmer Photography
www.bulmerphotography.com/contact

About John Bulmer
John Bulmer is a New York-based photographer and DarkSky International Delegate dedicated to raising awareness about light pollution through photography and education. His work has been featured in The New York Times and numerous other publications.

About National Sawdust
Located in Brooklyn, National Sawdust is a leading performance space dedicated to fostering innovation in music and the arts. Its For Nature series highlights the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship.

Event Details
Dark Sky: Music by Kaija Saariaho, Caroline Shaw, Andrew Yee, & More
Date: February 12, 2025
Time: Doors at 6:30 PM | Performance at 7:30 PM
Location: National Sawdust, 80 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Tickets: www.nationalsawdust.org
Event page: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36490/production/1225296

Join us for an inspiring night of music, imagery, and conversation under the stars.

A Bald Eagle Watches the Sunrise Over the Port of Albany | 12.24.2024


 A Bald Eagle Watches the Sunrise Over the Port of Albany | 12.24.2024
Albany, New York 

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Marcy Dam and Mount Colden | 12.15.2024


Marcy Dam and Mount Colden | 12.15.2024
High Peaks Wilderness, Adirondacks 

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Saturday, December 14, 2024

Scratches Across the Night Sky | 12.14.2024


Scratches Across The Night Sky
Peak Geminids, December 14, 2024
Saratoga County, New York

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

New York State Capitol Holiday Lights | 12.10.2024






New York State Capitol Holiday Lights | 12.10.2024
Albany, New York  

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Monday, December 9, 2024

The Holiday Season in Albany, New York | 12.08.2024




The Holiday Season in Albany, New York | 12.08.2024
New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Fresh Snow on Geyser Creek | 12.08.2024


Fresh Snow on Geyser Creek | 12.08.2024
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, New York

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Squalls Over the Southern Adirondacks | 12.03.2024


Squalls Over the Southern Adirondacks | 12.03.2024
Lake George, New York 

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Palace Theater in the Rain | 11.26.2024


Palace Theater in the Rain | 11.26.2024
Albany, New York

Note: Long exposure of the Palace Theater’s marquee illuminating the corner of Clinton and North Pearl Streets on an overcast morning. Rain softens the scene, casting halos around the glowing lights.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Tuesday, November 26, 2024

State Street Rain | 10.26.2024

 

State Street Rain | 11.26.2024
Albany, New York 

Note: Rain isn’t the absence of color; it’s the paintbrush that draws with existing light.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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