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 

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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.

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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 

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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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Friday, November 15, 2024

Grotesque Ruin | 11.15.2024


Grotesque Ruin | 11.15.2024
Saratoga,New York
 
Image captured with a 60-year-old Nikon film camera.
 
We often overlook the layers of history beneath our feet, whether in the contours of the natural landscape or the patterns of the built environment. The present is our frame of reference, but historic photos and ruins invite us to step outside that view. Photos freeze moments, offering glimpses of the past, while ruins provide a tangible link—a physical anchor where memory and imagination can take root.

For the past year, I’ve been documenting the ruins scattered throughout Upstate New York, much of it on pubic park land, piecing together a master map of these forgotten sites. Like all parks, their trails and vistas rest on the foundation of someone else’s history—stories that have faded from the land and the records that once preserved them. Much like modern streets often trace ancient streambeds or trails, these landscapes are shaped by layers of forgotten lives. Each discovery feels like uncovering a fragment of a larger, unseen puzzle.

This image captures one of the most enigmatic finds I’ve encountered: a brick pillar topped with a ferocious grotesque. Unlike other ruins, there are no property records to provide clues, nor nearby remnants to suggest a larger story. Grotesques, traditionally guardians, were crafted to ward off evil spirits. This one, with its fierce, menacing expression, seems almost alive as if it still stands vigil over something significant. Its weathered face adds to its mystique—one of its sharp fangs is missing, leaving a jagged gap that heightens its feral, defiant aura.

But what does it guard? Deep in the quiet woods of Spa State Park, far from any grand buildings, it feels out of place and steeped in mystery. Was it part of a forgotten estate, a private retreat, or a monument to something older, now erased by time? Its presence defies explanation, its gaze frozen in a perpetual warning. Even as time and nature reclaim the forest, this gargoyle remains—a relic of defiance and protection, guarding secrets only it knows.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Thursday, November 14, 2024

The Spirit pf Life | Vintagraphic Image


The Spirit of Life (Vintagraphic)
Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, New York 

Note: I’m fascinated by traditional photography methods and how they can merge with modern technology. Since the summer, I’ve been experimenting with a process I call “Vintagraphic.” It begins with a traditional large-format image that’s digitized and hand-colored—much like my work in historical restorations. The result is a dreamy, atmospheric image with unique color, bokeh, and depth of field, blending the best of past and present techniques. I own the domain and plan to create a series that channels the epic photography of the past, capturing iconic modern landscapes from the region.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Monday, November 11, 2024

Wildfire Sunset | 11.10.2024


Wildfire Sunset | 11.10.2024
Note: A wildfire-tinted sun sets behind the American flag at the state capitol on the smokiest day I have ever photographed.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wildfire Skies | 11.10.2024




Wildfire Skies | 11.10.2024 
Various Locations, Captial District

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Sunrise After the Election | 11.06.2024


Sunrise After the Election | 11.06.202
Saratoga, New York

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Architectural Detail and Morning Light, The Egg | 11.05.2024


Architectural Detail and Morning Light, The Egg | 11.05.2024
Albany, New York

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Sunday, October 27, 2024

Valley Acres | 10.27.2024


Valley Acres | 10.27.2024
Saratoga Springs, New York 

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The West Albany Yard: The Birthplace of the Legendary No. 999.



The West Albany Rail Yard, tucked between the interstate and warehouses just west of downtown, hums to life at 5 AM as the first light paints the tops of Albany’s buildings. The smooth, frictionless whir of the highway’s few early travelers blends with the low idle of trains and the sounds of the surrounding neighborhood, creating a white noise layered with a million small sounds. Once a major hub for New York City’s railroad maintenance, the yard now sees shipments of corn syrup, paper, and lumber and is the starting point for the Troy and Rensselaer locals—smaller trains feeding industries across the Hudson. 

Yet, at this hour, you would never guess this yard birthed a legend. Here, in 1893, the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad No. 999 was built at the West Albany Shops, where it would soon claim the world speed record as the first locomotive to surpass 100 miles per hour on the Empire State Express. This Albany-built 4-4-0 “American” type, with its towering 86-inch wheels and sleek black-and-white finish, symbolized the New York Central Railroad’s ambitions and secured Albany’s place in railroad history. 

By dawn, the Corning Tower’s aircraft beacon pulses in the distance, marking time in steady three-second intervals as bakers in culinary whites emerge to begin the day’s bread in the vast bakeries at the yard’s southern boundary. If you’ve ever spent a morning near the yard, you know the fragrance—a wonderful warmth that hangs in the cold air, especially on a cold morning.

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

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Friday, October 25, 2024

The Woodland Giant | 10.25.2024



The Woodland Giant | 10.25.2024
Grafton Lakes State Park

This is one of my favorite trees on the Rensselaer Plateau. I’ve nicknamed it the Woodland Giant. A towering, double-trunked red maple, it evokes the feeling of standing at the feet of a giant, especially at night under the Plateau's Bortle Class 4 sky. In places like Grafton Lakes State Park, this “Rural/Suburban Transition” sky has moderate darkness with some light pollution along the horizon. The Milky Way remains visible, though softened, and fainter stars and deep-sky objects still shine through, making it a subtly illuminated setting for stargazing.

But the night sky we see now is not the sky of our parents' youth, or even our own. Each year, stars disappear, claimed by unshielded lights and expanding cities. As more residential developments rise in the surrounding counties, the sky could soon be reclassified as Bortle Class 5—a “Suburban Sky” where light pollution dims the Milky Way and mutes fainter stars and deep-sky objects, gradually altering our connection to the night, making it harder for us to witness auroras, comets, the galactic core, and meteor showers.

Standing before the Woodland Giant, I’m reminded of the walking trees of mythology, like the Ents of Middle Earth—ancient guardians of the forest, protectors of the night sky and the wild lands. These mythical trees, wise and rooted yet capable of movement, evoke our deep, age-old ties to the natural world, urging us to protect the skies and forests they once watched over.

© 2024 John Bulmer Photography, John Bulmer Media, and Nor'easter Films
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Sunday, October 20, 2024

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Final Image | 10.19.2024


Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Final Image | 10.19.2024

Stacked multiple images of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, captured through both a traditional camera and a telescope. By layering these images, I enhanced the detail and dynamic range, revealing the comet’s faint tail and bright core with clarity that a single exposure could not achieve. This technique brings out the intricate structure and beauty of the comet as it fades from view in the western sky.

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