Own a Piece of Albany’s History: Black and White Photography Prints of Architectural Landmarks

Albany, New York Photography Gallery

Albany, NY, is a city rich in history, with its iconic buildings reflecting centuries of architectural brilliance. For art collectors, history enthusiasts, and those seeking unique décor, black and white photography prints of Albany’s architectural landmarks offer a timeless way to bring the city’s charm into your space.

Why Choose Black and White Photography Prints?

Black and white photography captures the essence of Albany’s historic architecture by emphasizing textures, contrasts, and intricate details. Stripped of color, these images highlight the interplay of light and shadow, drawing attention to the craftsmanship and history embedded in each structure. A black and white print not only enhances your home or office décor but also serves as a conversation starter and a connection to Albany’s rich heritage.

Iconic Albany Landmarks for Your Collection

1. New York State Capitol
   This 19th-century architectural marvel is a favorite among art lovers. Its Romanesque and Renaissance Revival elements make it a striking subject for black and white photography. A print of the Capitol captures its grandeur and serves as a tribute to Albany’s political and cultural significance.

2. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
   This Gothic Revival cathedral is a masterpiece of design. Black and white photography emphasizes its towering spires, intricate arches, and timeless beauty, making it an inspiring piece for your collection.

3. The Empire State Plaza

Featuring the dramatic contrast of its sleek architecture against the timeless sky, this artwork showcases the Plaza's iconic Egg and Corning Tower in unique detail. Perfect for art collectors, Albany enthusiasts, or anyone seeking sophisticated décor, this monochromatic print adds a touch of elegance and historical depth to any space. Bring the heart of Albany into your home or office with this timeless piece celebrating one of New York's architectural treasures.

4. New York State Museum

Capturing the museum's bold architecture and timeless design, this monochromatic artwork accentuates the intricate details and dramatic lines that define this cultural landmark, celebrating the legacy of New York's oldest museum.

5. Corning Tower

As the tallest structure in Albany, the Corning Tower is a modern marvel with historic significance. Black and white photography beautifully captures its sleek, geometric design and the reflections that dance off its façade. A print of the Corning Tower adds a bold, contemporary touch to any art collection while honoring Albany’s dynamic skyline.

How Black and White Prints Transform Your Space

• Sophisticated Décor: Monochromatic art complements a variety of interior styles, from modern minimalist to vintage-inspired.

• Connection to History: Owning a print of Albany’s landmarks brings the city’s history into your home, creating a meaningful connection to its storied past.

• Unique Gifts: These prints make thoughtful gifts for art collectors, history buffs, or anyone with ties to Albany.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Print

• Choose Landmarks with Personal Significance: Whether it’s the Capitol’s grandeur or the nostalgic charm of the The Egg, select prints that resonate with your personal connection to Albany.

• Consider Framing Options: A beautifully framed black and white print elevates its aesthetic appeal and ensures its longevity.

Contact me directly to purchase a fine art photograph of Albany, New York’s famous landmarks - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Black and white photograph of the New York State Capital Building in Albany, NY

Classic black and white photograph of Albany, NY

Photography print of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY

Empire State Plaza wall art

Photograph of the Alfed E. Smith Building in Albany, NY

Albany, NY wall art

New York State Capital Building photography print - black and white

Historic black and white photograph of The Egg in Albany, NY

Photograph of the New York State Education Department building in Albany, NY

Photograph of the George Washington statue in Albany, NY

Photography print of Albany, NY

Black and white photograph of Albany, NY architecture

Photography print of the iconic state capital building in Albany, NY

Leucadia Barbershop

Best Barbershop in North County

San Diego Barbershop

Spent some time back in San Diego last month and finally got around to photographing Emiliano Zermeno at his new Leucadia Barbershop location - a five minute drive from the house I lived in for 7 years. Funny concept when you think that this project encompasses all 50 states!

Last time I saw him was during COVID when they were forced to give haircuts in the parking lot outside. As you can see he has tattoos up to his chin. We talked a bit about his interactions with tourists coming into the shop that aren’t used to seeing people covered in tattoos. Emiliano is very kind person, but first impressions can be misleading, so sometimes it’s necessary to go the extra mile to make people feel welcome.

The shop has strong family history that began when his parents opened up in 1996. Like so many long time barbershops that have to deal with landlord issues, they unfortunately had to vacate that location recently, but that led to the beaut that he’s in now. A place that is a direct reflection of the barber himself (skateboarder) and the southern California culture he grew up in. It’s obvious when talking to him that family is a huge part of his life. As is continuing on what his parents worked so hard for. He’s also part of the Uppercut Deluxe crew, so you know his cuts are top tier. Head over to his shop’s website to learn more, and if you’re looking for a great haircut in north county San Diego, Leucadia Barbershop is the spot.

Click HERE to check out my photography book of barbershops in all 50 states of the USA.

And there are barbershop prints from this series available HERE. For all other print inquiries please contact me directly.

Emiliano Zermeno - San Diego Barber

Leucadia Barbershop - San Diego, CA

Good Haircuts - Bad Advice

Best barbershop in north county San Diego

Black and white photograph of a barbershop in San Diego, CA

Barbershop in Encinitas, CA

San Diego Barbershop

Traditional Barbershop in San Diego, CA

Johnny Lovato’s Barbershop

Back in 2011 I began photographing traditional barbershops as a way to preserve a dying piece of American culture and cornerstone of every local community. These relics were all going away due to the barber passing on, retiring, or being pushed out of their shop to make way for a higher paying tenant. Last week I drove by Johnny Lovato’s Barbershop in San Diego and was sad to see that it had changed hands, been gutted, and reopened as a soulless salon. No offense to the current owner, but it’s sad to see decades of memories stripped away. A barbers shop is his second home and a place that he’s spent a life forging relationships and community. And that’s what this body of work is all about - documenting these time capsules so their legacy can live on. These photographs are from 2011 when Johnny was still cutting and later in 2019 when his son had taken over. I remember Johnny being a very kind person. He loved the bird in his shop and got a lot of enjoyment from feeding it Cheetos.

If you’d like to support this project you can do so by purchasing a copy of my photography book on traditional barbershops in all 50 states of the USA.

And contact me directly if you’d like a photography prints of any barbershops from this series.

Johnny Lovato's Barbershop - Point Loma, CA

San Diego Barbershop

Johnny Lovato - Barber

Portrait of a San Diego barber standing behind his chair

Rotary phone in a traditional barbershop

Photograph of an old school barber in San Diego, CA

Photograph of a customer getting their hair cut at a barbershop in San Diego, Ca

Timeless Beauty: Fine Art Photography Prints of Jackson, Mississippi’s Historic Landmarks

Bring Home the Charm of Jackson: Fine Art Prints of Historic Landmarks

Jackson, Mississippi, known as the "City with Soul," boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and striking landmarks. For photography collectors, the city offers a treasure trove of opportunities to acquire fine art photographs that capture its essence. Whether you're drawn to historical architecture, vibrant street scenes, or serene natural landscapes, Jackson's landmarks provide a stunning canvas for artistic expression.

Why Collect Fine Art Photography of Jackson, Mississippi?

Fine art photography transcends mere documentation—it captures the emotion, texture, and unique character of a place. Jackson’s landmarks, from historic sites to modern attractions, tell stories that resonate with both locals and visitors. Collecting photographs of these iconic scenes allows you to preserve and celebrate the city’s spirit while enhancing your space with meaningful art.

Jackson’s Most Historic Buildings

1. Mississippi State Capitol
A masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, the Mississippi State Capitol has stood proudly since 1903. With its grand dome, intricate columns, and marble interiors, this building serves as the seat of government and a symbol of Jackson’s political heritage. Its grounds feature notable monuments, including the towering Women of the Confederacy statue.

2. Old Capitol Museum
The Old Capitol, constructed in 1839, is one of the most significant landmarks in Mississippi's history. This Greek Revival-style building served as the state’s capitol until 1903 and was the site of major historical events, such as Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 1861. Now a museum, it offers a glimpse into the state’s political past and architectural grandeur.

3. Standard Life Building

The Standard Life Building in Jackson, Mississippi, is a striking example of Art Deco architecture that has stood as a symbol of the city’s history and resilience since its completion in 1929. Once the tallest building in Mississippi, this iconic structure was designed with intricate details, including geometric patterns, elegant terracotta ornamentation, and distinctive setbacks that embody the architectural trends of the era.

4. Cathedral of St. Peter The Apostle
The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, Mississippi, is a breathtaking testament to the city's deep religious and architectural heritage. Established in 1847, the cathedral's stunning Gothic Revival style stands tall as a beacon of faith and history. Its pointed arches, intricate stained glass windows, and towering spires evoke a sense of grandeur and spiritual serenity. The cathedral’s presence on the Jackson skyline is both a visual and emotional anchor for the community.

5.LaMar Life Building
The Lamar Life Building is a historic building in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. It was designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, and it was completed in 1924. It is the twelfth tallest building in Jackson, and was considered Jackson's first skyscraper.

6. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral is one of Jackson’s most cherished landmarks, a stunning example of English Gothic architecture that blends historical significance with striking beauty. Built in 1903, the cathedral’s soaring spires, intricate stonework, and lush stained glass windows create a visual narrative of both strength and grace. Its hallowed halls have witnessed generations of worshippers, making it a significant symbol of Jackson’s spiritual and cultural life.

Tips for Collectors:

Choosing the Perfect Piece

• Focus on Quality: Look for prints that showcase exceptional composition, lighting, and attention to detail. High-quality materials such as archival paper or metal prints ensure longevity.

• Consider the Artist’s Perspective: A fine art photograph should reflect the unique vision of the artist. Consider their ability to tell a story or evoke emotion through their work.

• Think About Your Space: Consider where the artwork will be displayed. A vibrant cityscape might suit a modern living room, while a tranquil nature scene could enhance a cozy study.All photographs are available as prints for your home of office - rob@robhammerphotography.com
  

  The Enduring Appeal of Jackson’s Fine Art Photography

  Jackson’s landmarks offer an endless source of inspiration for photographers and collectors alike. Each image tells a story of the city’s past, present, and future, making it a meaningful addition to any art collection. By investing in fine art photography, you’re not only celebrating Jackson’s beauty but also supporting the artists who bring its soul to life. Explore, collect, and let the vibrant spirit of Jackson, Mississippi, enrich your walls and your heart.

  Contact me directly to inquire about prints for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Photography print of the State Capitol Building in Jackson, Mississippi

Mississippi Capital Building Wall Art

Black and white print of the Standard Life Building in Jackson, Mississippi

The Old Capitol Museum

Black and white print of the LaMar Life Building in Jackson, Mississippi

Cathedral of St. Peter The Apostle

Fine art print of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral

The Vast Silence of the Llano Estacado: Photographs from the Edge of the World

Capturing the Spirit of the Llano Estacado: A Journey Through Texas’ Endless Plains

The Llano Estacado is a place you don’t stumble across; it’s a place you reckon with. One of the most iconic and least understood landscapes in the American West, this vast plateau of grass and sky sprawls across Texas and New Mexico, holding onto its secrets and daring you to listen. Out here, the land doesn’t beg for your attention—it demands it.

For a photographer, the Llano Estacado is both a gift and a challenge. It’s the kind of place where you can drive for hours and see nothing, but also see everything. The light plays games with the land, casting long shadows across red dirt canyons one moment and igniting the horizon with a blazing sunset the next. This is a place where distance feels infinite, where the horizon blurs into eternity, and where silence is louder than any city you’ve ever known.

I’ve spent days with my camera out here, trying to make sense of a landscape that refuses to be pinned down. In the Llano Estacado, every scene feels timeless. Windmills still turn against endless skies, lone ranch houses sit hunkered against the elements, and the remnants of old cattle trails whisper of a time when the West was wild. The photographs I take here aren’t just about the land—they’re about its resilience, its quiet strength, and its ability to hold onto history while shrugging off the future.

There’s something raw about the Llano Estacado, something that gets under your skin. The wind is constant, carrying dust and memories of those who came before—Comanche warriors, Spanish explorers, and cattlemen who fought for a living in this unforgiving land. But for all its toughness, there’s a kind of poetry here, too. It’s in the way the light softens at dusk, the way a storm rolls in across the plains like the world’s slowest freight train, or the way a lone yucca plant stands defiant against the wind.

I photograph these moments not to tame them but to honor them. The Llano Estacado isn’t a place that conforms to you; it’s a place that changes you. And in every image, I try to capture a piece of that—the wildness, the solitude, the beauty that refuses to be anything but itself.

For anyone who loves the West, the Llano Estacado is a reminder of what it means to live with the land rather than against it. For me, it’s a place I’ll never stop returning to, camera in hand, chasing the light and the stories it holds.

If you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the American West, I invite you to explore my collection of fine art photographs of the Llano Estacado. These images are more than landscapes—they’re testaments to a land that refuses to be forgotten.

Contact me directly if you’d like to purchase a print - rob@robhammerphotography.com

“It’s a long way, round the Llano Estacado” - Colter Wall

Llano Estacado - Texas 

Black and white photograph of a farm on the Llano Estacado 

Black and white photo of the Llano Estacado 

Photo of. a dust storm on the Llano Estacado in Texas 

Photo of roadside religious crosses on the Llano Estacado in Texas 

Photograph of a long dirt road on the Llano Estacado in Texas

Black and white photograph of a farm in the Texas panhandle 

Photograph of wind turbines on the Llano Estacado 

The Griffin Museum of Photography

Photography Museum - Winchester, Massachusetts

13+ years now I’ve been photographing traditional barbershops in all 50 states of the USA and the layers continue to peel. In the beginning it was just a thing to do because I love barbershops. Then as time went on I felt responsible for documenting them before they all disappeared. Now, in 2024, I see the collective body of work as a historical document of the barbers and shops that served as a staple in their respective communities for 30, 40, 50, 60+ years. On the surface the theme of this project is about a place to get your haircut. Really though, it’s about community, friendship, and human connection. So I’m honored to announce that a selection of these photographs will be shown at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA for their upcoming group show “Vision(ary) which focuses on communities, cultures, and environments. Please go check out the show as well as the other great exhibitions from June 7th-September 27th.

Click here to purchase a copy of Barbershops of America (photo book) and HERE to purchase prints from this series.

Barbershops of America at The Griffin Museum of Photography

Birmingham Barbershop

Traditional Barbershop - Birmingham, Alabama

Americana - Photography

Was back on the road recently for a photoshoot in Texas and a snow goose hunt in Arkansas, all the while trying to sniff out some old barbershops.

It’s been interesting to see how some smaller cities have groupings of barbershops all in one place. Common sense would tell you that isn’t a great business strategy, but what do I know? Birmingham, Alabama is just such a place with multiple shops all on the same block, which was exciting but things didn’t start out so hot.

There was an older gentleman sitting out in front of the first shop I approached. He was talking on the phone while sitting on a stool in front of the door. I introduced myself and said that I’d like to make some photographs of the shop. Before I could even finish he said “I don’t have time”, turned his back to me, and continued his conversation. The shop was completely empty. I tried pushing back politely, stating that I’d been working on this project for 12+ years and published a book on traditional barbershops in all 50 states, etc, etc, etc. It didn’t work. He was angry that I was still standing there trying to talk with him and even more angry that I asked for the owner’s phone number. He wasn’t annoyed. He was angry almost to the point of aggression. Ah well. Can’t win them all. That led to a stop in Magic City Barbershop, which opened it’s doors in 1930! There is a poster on the front window from the Jefferson County Historical Commission that states so, but you don’t need a poster to tell you the place isn’t far off from its 100 year anniversary. You can just feel it.

The shop was empty besides the one barber working. He was a character. Had a witty answer for everything I said or asked.

Me: “Is this your shop?”

Him: “It ain’t yours!”

There were lots of old newspaper clippings on the wall of Martin Luther King and others from the riots and bombings. “Bombingham” as he called it, has a unique past that shaped it into the city it is today. Despite all the racial violence and negativity, it’s fascinating to be in that shop because the city’s history provides an education, experience, and conversation that you’re not likely to get anywhere else in the country. Barbershops provide an unorthodox way of learning about America!

Click here to check out my photo book of traditional barbershops in all 50 states

Magic City Barbershop - Birmingham, Alabama

Sneakers for sale at a barbershop in Birmingham, Alabama

Traditional barbershop photography

Portrait of a barber in Birmingham, Alabama

Montana Cowboys: A Life Lived Close to the Land

Through the Lens: Capturing the Grit and Grace of Montana’s Cowboys

The Montana cowboy doesn’t need an audience. His life, tied as it is to the rhythm of the land, unfolds whether or not anyone is watching. But for those who do, there’s something magnetic about it—a life that feels both hard-earned and untouched by time.

When I step onto a ranch with my camera, I’m not just looking for a photograph; I’m trying to catch a moment that’s as honest as the dirt under a cowboy’s boots. Montana is a land of big skies and even bigger silences, and its cowboys carry that same quiet strength. They work with a kind of grace that comes from repetition—reining in a horse, throwing a rope, or sitting a saddle of leather that’s seen more miles than most of us ever will.

Out here, you don’t ask for a pose. You wait. You watch. The best photographs are the ones that seem to catch the air mid-breath: a cowboy leaning against a fence at dawn, the light spilling across his hat brim; a horse kicking up dust in a corral, the sun caught in every grain; a rider silhouetted against a sky so wide it seems to hold all of Montana in its grasp.

The work isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t meant to be. These are men and women who live close to the land, who measure time not by the ticking of a clock but by the turn of the seasons. They brand cattle in the spring, cut hay in the summer, and brace against blizzards in the winter. And yet, for all the grit and sweat, there’s a poetry to their lives—a rhythm that speaks to something old and enduring.

I’ve always believed the Montana cowboy is more than an icon; he’s a testament to the hard work, independence, and quiet pride that built the West. My photographs aim to honor that legacy, capturing the way the dust hangs in the air after a herd moves through or how the golden hour stretches long and slow over a ranch at the edge of nowhere.

Montana has a way of making everything feel bigger—the mountains, the skies, even the silences. And its cowboys are no exception. They move through the land like they belong to it, not the other way around. For me, every photograph is an opportunity to show that connection, to capture a way of life that feels as timeless as the wind through the grass.

If you’re drawn to the rugged beauty and authenticity of the American West, my collection of Montana cowboy photography offers a glimpse into a life lived with purpose, grit, and heart. These fine art prints aren’t just images—they’re windows into a world that reminds us what it means to live simply and honestly, bound to the land and its stories.

Click here to see more of my Western Photography

Click here to shop Cowboy Wall Art for your home, office, or commercial space

Montana cowboy wall art prints

Wyoming cowboy photography prints

North Carolina Barbershop

Traditional Barbershop - Photography

The American Barbershop - Wall Art

These photographs of the Granville Barbershop in Granville, North Carolina were made during a drive home to upstate NY for Christmas. The owner was very skeptical of my intentions at first but agreed to let me photograph his shop. During my time there I had some fun interactions with customers, but he never said much. As far as history goes, the shop opened in the 1940’s, and prior to that it was an African American movie theater!! How’s that for Southern?

As with most old shops, the relationship between proprietor and those in his chair was easy, fluid, and quite candid. At one point an older gentleman sauntered in with his head down, dropped a gift on an empty chair, turned back toward the door and said “well, gotta go”. That was it. No interaction. Never even lifted his head up to make eye contact. The barber didn’t seem surprised, nor did he skip a beat on the haircut in progress.

Took about a half hour until I was pleased with the pictures made. Afterward I gave the barber a card and thanked him for the hospitality. He stopped cutting, grabbed a few coins off the back bar, placed them in my hand and in an almost too good to be true accent said “take these two qwwwaaaaaaaatehs back to that machine and get you a pop. I’ll bet you haven’t had a 50 cent pop in yeeeeaaaaaaahs.” Sure enough, there were ice cold sodas coming out of a vintage Coca Cola machine against the back wall. Can’t tell you the last time I even had the desire for a soda, but I wasn’t about to turn that one down.

Interactions like these are what keep Barbershops of America going. Talking to people that give you a very definitive sense of place is gratifying, educational, and fun. Hearing about the shops history in such a dialect not only tells you where you are in the world, but also where you aren’t. I love that.

Click here to check out my photography book Barbershops of America

Contact me directly about barbershop photography prints for your home, office, or commercial space -rob@robhammerphotography.com

Traditional Barbershop Photography

The Granville Barbershop in Granville, North Carolina

Exterior photograph of a traditional barbershop in North Carolina

Photograph of a barber cutting a customers hair in a traditional barbershop

Barbershop Culture Photography

East Coast Photography

Small Town America - Photography

Road Trip - American Culture

Cross country road trips have been a constant in my life for the past 12+ years, particularly in late December driving from San Diego, CA to upstate NY to visit family for Christmas. This year though, it was significantly shorter as we are currently living in North Carolina. If you want advice on the most soul sucking drive in the USA, it’s I95 from Raleigh to Albany. Avoid it at all costs. I did it once in a straight shot due to a severe lack of time and will never do it again. As a photographer you’re much better off committing to the many backroads that will get you to the same place while also delivering a much better experience. Here are a few images from PA and NY. Pennsylvania has always been a fascinating state. There is a sadness to a lot of the towns, particularly in the rust belt, but they are all undeniably American. Plenty of towns in America could be anywhere in America, but the majority of Pennsylvania makes you acutely aware that you are in a place.

Click here to see more of my American Photography

Union Cemetery - Hudson Falls, NY

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Edwardsville, Pennsylvania

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Hudson Falls, New York

Cowboy Culture Photography

American West - Wall Art - Cowboy Culture

What a humbling gift it is being able to spend time on working cattle ranches. This photography series documenting cowboys in the American West has been going on for well over two years now, and I hope it never ends. There is no amount of gratitude I could express to the cowboys and cowgirls for allowing me to be along for the ride. Most of them would never call it work, but still, what they do isn’t just a vital key to supplying the country with beef, it’s an undeniably important piece of American culture. One that most people will never understand because they aren’t able to see it with their own eyes.

This set of images is from the Diamond A Ranch outside of Seligman, Arizona. At 750,000 acres, it’s the largest in the southwest. A piece of property that will make you feel small in a hurry. The images you see here are from my second visit to the ranch, and I’m proud to call a few of the people in them my friends. Stay tuned for more from this shoot. Some of the images should be published in a magazine soon.

Reach out directly if you’d like prints of anything from this cowboy photography series for your home, office, or commercial space.

Photograph of two cowboys riding horses at sunrise with a beautiful western scene behind them

Black and white photograph of two cowboys roping a wild steer

Photograph of cowboys eating dinner in a bunkhouse

Photograph of a cowboy saddling his horse early in the morning on an Arizona cattle ranch

Photograph of two cowboy riding their horses through tough terrain in Arizona

Black and White photograph of two cowboys in a bunkhouse

Sign for the Rose Well camp on the Diamond A Ranch - Center of the Universe

Photography Books - American Culture

American Photography - Documenting Traditional Barbershops

American photography as a genre is hard to define, especially when it comes to art collection and fine art photography. The term is so broad and leaves plenty of room for interpretation. One of my longest running series Barbershops of America fits into that category. Although it’s only been recently that I realized what’s been put together with this series is as much American photography as it is a historical document of a niche piece of American culture. And it occured to me the other day that getting a haircut is just a bonus to the experience you receive from being in a traditional barbershop. Grateful to see this project getting some exposure on Creative Boom and The Eye of Photography.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of Barbershops of American or HERE to purchase fine art prints.

Arizona Cattle Ranch

K4 Ranch - Prescott, Arizona

Western photography when it comes to cowboys and cattle ranching has been around a long time. You might argue as long as the profession itself, since the legendary L.A. Huffman did it back in the 1800’s. Art collectors like to hang fine art photographs of the action - cattle branding, bucking broncs, stampedes, etc. And all of that is damn sure fun to photograph, but what about the quiet moments? Before and after the action when a cattle ranch is at rest. Those are just as fun to photograph, and important to show as a piece of the story telling puzzle. Last week I was fortunate to visit the historic K4 Ranch outside of Prescott, Arizona. It’s got a rich history in the cattle world as well as for it’s horses with notable bloodlines coming from the famous Driftwood Ike, among many others. Being there for the action is always prefered, but I find myself being very grateful for the off times that make way for images you would never otherwise have time to see or make.

Click here to see more of my photos series on Cowboys in the American West.

Contact me directly for prints of my cowboy photography. All images are available in different sizes for your home, office, or commercial space.

A cowboy’s revolver

Horse corrals on the K4 Ranch in Prescott Arizona

Photograph of used horseshoes sitting in a bucket on a cattle ranch in Arizona

Ropes from King’s Saddlery hang on a cow skull on the K4 Ranch in Prescott, Arizona

Photograph of a roping dummy on a cattle ranch in the American West

A cowboy’s shoeing station for his horse on a cattle ranch in Arizona

Barbershop Photography

Traditional American Barbershops

One of the best/hardest parts of working on long term projects focused on one subject matter is the bar is always rising. And that has definitely been the case for Barbershops of America. Traditional shops are a dying breed as is, and after seeing countless shops (good and bad) over the past 10 years, I’ve become quite specific about which shops I want to include in this project. Despite lots of travel and searching for shops over the past year+, the efforts have been fruitless, finding almost nothing worthy of documentation. Sort of hard to believe, actually. Searching for that long without positive results can make you think hard about the project. Is it done? Have I truly found and photographed all the remaining traditional barbershops in America? All of that doubt was erased recently after finding two incredible shops. Nicholson’s Barbershop in Raleigh, NC has been around for 40 years and Patsy’s Barbershop in Albany, NY first opened its doors in 1930! I was born in Albany, lived nearby for 25 years, have been going back at least twice a year for the past 18 years, and just last week discovered Patsy’s. Even more strange, the current owner is a former bouncer that used to, for good reason, throw my friends and I out of the bar. Funny how life works.

Click here to purchase a copy of Barbershops of America

Nicholson’s Barbershop - Raleigh, North Carolina

Patsy’s Barbershop - Albany, NY

Traditional barbershop in Albany, NY

Boots O'Neal

Boots O’Neal - Cowboy - 6666 Ranch - Texas

Being a photographer has been a great pleasure and an even greater adventure. It’s taken me to some outstanding parts of the earth and allowed me to photograph some of the most famous athletes on it. “Who is your favorite?”, has always been a common question. Until recently, that was an impossible question to answer, now the final is Boots. Boots O’Neal is a 90 year old cowboy on the 6666 Ranch in Texas. A more inspiring human you will not meet. To learn more about him continue reading this piece I wrote that was originally published with Wrangler.

Click here to see more of my cowboy photography

Boots O’Neal on his horse working cattle in the corrals at the 6666 Ranch

Imagine for a moment, waking up in the hospital with 12 broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken vertebrae, and a bleeding brain. Now imagine that pain at 82 years of age. Cal Ripken Jr. was Major League Baseball's “Ironman”. Earning the nickname after playing 2,632 consecutive games. Put those end to end and you’ve got over 7 years of straight baseball. An astonishing stat and impressive feat only possible for a human made from the toughest stock. No offense to Mr. Ripken, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the Texas legend - Boots O’Neal, who's been horseback for the better part of the last 75 years. Despite the aforementioned injuries, piled on a lifetime of other broken body parts, the now 90 year old cowboy shows no desire whatsoever to retire. You’d think someone that’s lived in such a way would have a face much resembling their saddle that’s endured as many miles. Instead, O’Neal’s is endearing, and fixed with a perpetual smile that causes you to do the same. The kind of guy that inadvertently makes you a better person just by being in his presence. 

While we’re on the stat train, let’s dole out a few more just to drive the point home, what an outlier he truly is. The average retirement age in America is 62. The average age of death is 78. And a cowboy will normally take home about $31,466 a year. At a time in life when most folks are either dead or in a nursing home, Boots wakes up every morning with excitement to saddle a horse and work cattle alongside fellow cowpunchers that could be his grandkids. People just aren’t built like him anymore. Not a partier, but it would be safe to put O’Neal in the Keith Richards class. Immortal freaks, in the most beautiful way possible. 

Portrait of Boots O’Neal

Cowboys in general are a strand of human unlike the rest of us. Born not made. And from birth, it was obvious O’Neal created a category all his own. Growing up in the 30’s he was one of 8 children living in a home without running water. The bathroom was an outhouse, and the bath, a tub filled with water and placed next to the kitchen oven, door open for heat. After 3 or 4 of the kids took their turn, that water was tossed outside to calm down the dust. He was never much for school. The only thing he excelled at was boxing, but usually just looked forward to running off the bus and into the barn to saddle a horse, only coming in when his mother hung a white sheet on the clothesline - their version of a dinner bell. 9th grade was as far as he cared to go, leaving home in August of 49’ at sixteen to cowboy for the JA ($90/week). That job found him on the wagon, sleeping in only a bedroll 6-7 months at a time. A lifestyle that fit him just fine. 

Before we go any further, it would be appropriate to define what makes a real cowboy. The loud mouth sporting a big black hat getting in drunken bar fights makes for good movies, but that’s about it. According to the man himself, a real cowboy is polite. Smooth. Talks gentlemanly to ladies and is good under fire. Dusty Burson (32) - foreman on the Four Sixes and close friend to Mr. O’Neal said it best - “What’s a cowboy? Well, they’re good people. Honest. They do what they say they’re gonna do. If they tell you they’ll be there to help, they’ll be there, and they’ll stay to the end.” If that statement made its way into Websters, the following words should read “also see Boots O’Neal”. 

Boots O’Neal branding calves in the early morning on the 6666 Ranch in Texas

Boots O’Neal’s custom spurs

After the JA, he continued punching cows in different places including a quarter century stay at the Waggoner Ranch. All the while racking up a collection of buckles and saddles from bronc riding in rodeos all over the country. Word is he’s still pretty sticky. A wife (Nelda) also came into the mix as did a daughter (Laurie). Despite being opposites, Boots and Nelda remained in love for 44 years until her passing. She was a proper lady that enjoyed being in town but fully supported his innate need for open country. As their relationship grew, his career did along with it. The 50’s’ found him in Korea with the Army, where he stared out at vast foreign valleys, daydreaming about them filled with 1000 steer, and wondering why in the world they didn’t have any. After two years he was back on a ranch working hard to become a Peace Office and Brand Inspector at a time when cattle were still shipped by railroad. Along with the coveted title came a doubled salary, new clothes, fancy truck, and expense account. A novelty quickly erased by jealousy every time business on a ranch forced him to watch cowboys ride away on horses while he sat in a truck headed back to the office. “I just wanted to punch cows” he said. So he gave back a job that most in the industry would kill for and reclaimed his true love, working cattle from the back of a horse. 

Love is what it takes because the life of a cowboy asks a lot of a person, physically and emotionally. “ Even when I know tomorrow is gonna be a bad deal, and they’re predicting snow, and the wind coming out of the north blowing, and we’re gonna ride straight into it in the morning, I just look forward to getting out there and freezing my tail off” says O’Neal. How many 90 year olds have you ever heard say something like that? Burson again offers some insight - “he wakes up thinking I’m going to be happy today. He doesn’t let circumstances dictate happiness.” Dusty was the one who found the 82 year old O’Neal alone in a pasture, after the horse wreck that would have ended any mortal man. Even if it didn’t put him in the ground, the pain alone would cause a rational person to take a brush with death as a sign and say, ok, it’s been a good run. Burson visited him in the hospital shortly after and recalled the nurse asking why he kept lifting his left leg up in the air. Obviously, it was to keep the mobility of toeing a stirrup. “That’s how bad he wants to be a cowboy when he grows up” says Burson. 6 weeks later, he was back on that same horse and continues riding him today.  

Boots O’Neal talks with chuck wagon cook Charlie Ferguson on the 6666 Ranch in Texas

Seems like it came naturally for Boots, but don’t get it twisted, any good cowboy is a student of the trade. Always figuring out a way to get it done better without asking for recognition. All of the best cowboys Boots ever knew and patterned himself after, accomplished unthinkable feats even Taylor Shariden couldn’t script, in the middle of nowhere with only a few people to witness. Another friend and Texas icon Tom Moorehouse (72) is quick to point out “I’ve known Boots almost all my life, and anything I’ve got to say about him is good”. From the outside you might think that cowboying is a physical game. Only for the young. Not so. Sure, you need the gumption to handle extreme physical abuse and relentless weather that doesn’t end after an eight hour shift. But Moorehouse says the thing that separates Boots from the rest is that he’s a “keen observer”. He continues “my dad used to say a real cowboy is somebody that pays attention. Now that doesn’t sound like a good story, but that’s the truth.” There is so much that can go wrong when you’re working with 2,000+lb animals and navigating remote unforgiving terrain. One mistake could mean the end. 

We’ve already established that Boots is an enigma, but for arguments sake, let’s say he got lucky? Somehow the body that’s been broken more times than anyone can count, managed to miss the big one. Even with luck, longevity like his doesn’t just happen. And living on a wagon, eating ranch food, wouldn’t make any blueprint for “healthy living”. Cowboys require hearty meals to get them through their overly demanding lives. So It should be no surprise that beef has made its way to Boots’ plate just about every day for the past 90 years. Along with the beef came biscuits, gravy, and potatoes. Breakfast was peanut butter and syrup sandwiches. All of which goes against everything you’ll read from the so-called nutrition experts. Although pinto beans, prunes, and raisins are foods he now tries to consume regularly along with said beef. The fresh fruit and vegetables he also concentrates on just wasn’t a thing back then.”It wasn’t until I got up in years that I ever worried about putting something bad in my body.”  A chuckle was the only answer given when asked about exercise, but “I’ve never been short on sleep” says O’Neal. Which he believes has been the holy grail to his success. For as long as he can remember, even as a young buck, he’d turn in early, ensuring 8-9 hours of shuteye every night. These days he says “it takes me longer to rest than it does to get tired”, but it becomes obvious shortly after meeting him, that modesty is one of his many virtues. He’ll try and claim that he can’t do this, that, or the other. Then he slips into the saddle and the truth is revealed. “It takes a whole crew to keep me going”, he says. Again, modesty perfected. Perhaps his days aren’t spent aboard wild broncs, but he always gets the job done with grace, and his expertise couldn’t be matched anywhere in the world. Ironic for a guy who’s never considered himself very smart. What Boots has can’t be taught. He’s got a PHD in punching cows. Anybody will tell you he’s on the Mount Rushmore of the cowboy universe, but who the hell else could be up there with him? Is there another human that’s punched cows for almost 8 decades?  “It’s amazing what all he’s got stored up inside him that someone oughta have recorded” Dusty says. A lot of people with such knowledge and history can become high and mighty. Not Boots. He’ll let you mess up, then suggest, in a non degrading way, how to do it better. He knows we’re all in this thing together.

Boots O’Neal offloading his horse from a trailer on the 6666 Ranch in Texas

Boots O’Neal roping calves on the 6666 Ranch in Texas

If you think about the human condition and what we’re all after, one of the key ingredients is professional happiness. Everyone wants to spend their waking hours doing something they love. Why is that goal so elusive, so rare? A million dollar question. Even harder than finding that happiness, is keeping it. Somehow Boots O’Neal has managed to do it at one of the most physically demanding jobs on the planet and continues today at a very high level. Maybe the how doesn’t really matter. Maybe we should just use Boots as inspiration to be better humans. The iconic Four Sixes has been his home for the past 26 years. Panhandle, Texas is the closest town to their northern division where we met. The town sign fittingly reads “People of Pride and Purpose”. Just like the dictionary, there might as well be a picture of Boots next to that slogan. He figured IT out and still can’t get enough. He doesn’t need to work in a monetary sense. He wants to work, although it’d be a stretch to hear him use a four letter word like that. Even on a rare day off, he doesn’t look forward to a hobby or a vacation. Instead he’ll watch a rodeo on television or sit in a chair outside his bunkhouse apartment to watch the remuda come in. A sight he says, of 50 horses all running together, is one that most people will never get to see. Bob Dylan wrote a song on this very topic using only 17 words:  

“All the tired horses in the sun…..”

The guy has done it all, taken the beatings, and asked for more. He’s been inducted into every Hall of Fame a cowpuncher could possibly be associated with. Somehow that doesn’t seem enough of an honor though. Boots should be everyone's hero. He’s a national treasure and outstanding human being.  We should all strive to accomplish in our own lives what he has in his. Burson says “Yeah, he’s a cowboy, but he wants to be one tomorrow too”. If more people had that attitude, the world would be a better place. 

We were just about done talking when Boots’ story paused abruptly . A mischievous smile came to his face and the words stopped flowing. His attention fixed on one of the guys in a nearby corral working a young horse that was fixing to blow up. The grin stayed as he reminisced “I rode a lot of bucking horses in years past. I could get on a horse like that, just gather that thing up, and he’d be 3 feet in the air when I got that right stirrup”. Boots is a Christian. If he weren’t, and followed a religion believing in reincarnation, he says that’s what he’d want to come back as, a bucking horse. At 90 years young he knows precisely how good his life has been and isn’t scared of the inevitable. In a very matter of fact way he spoke about his funeral, being buried in the cemetery on the Four Sixes, and the speech by his friend Joe Leathers. When asked what he hopes Joe will say, Boots paused then replied humbly with a far off stare ”He was an honorable man. Done what he said he would. And didn’t mistreat his horses” 

Portrait of Boots O’Neal

Boots O’Neal on his horse at sunrise on the 6666 Ranch in Texas

Contact me directly if you’d like a print of Boots O’Neal - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Basketball in Vietnam

Photographs of basketball in Vietnam

Vietnamese Basketball Culture

When you think about the humble beginning of basketball by Dr. Naismith back in 1891, it’s mind blowing to see how far the game has come. While there have been monumental economic changes with shoe contracts and television coverage, the basics of the game are still unchanged. A hoop is still a hoop. But the sport, an American original, has influenced people all over the world. After ten years of working on this project, there’s one line that seems to reoccur - “basketball is everywhere”. Truly everywhere. Even Vietnam. Which is particularly fascinating when you stop to consider the tumultuous relationship we once shared with them.

Click here to see more of my basketball hoop photography

Contact me directly about prints of my basketball photography - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Road Trip Photography Book

The Open Road -

Photography and the Great American Road Trip

Results for the American Photography 39 Competition are in and filled with a massive amount of incredible images from so many photographer that I look up to. So it’s a real honor having two of my images from Roadside Meditations be a part of it.

Roadside Meditations

Road Trip Photo Book

American Road Trip Photography Book

Hanoi, Vietnam Photography

Street Photography - Hanoi

Vietnam Travel Photography - Wall Art - Prints

Emily and I recently took a trip to Vietnam, and from the first 30 minutes in Hanoi we were both sold. The street culture there is infectious, if you’re into that kind of thing. We are. Our trip consisted of four major destinations - two in the northern part of the country, one central, and the last down south on the Mekong Delta. This post will strictly be showing street photography from Hanoi, but check back soon to see more from the rest of the trip.

From years of travel we learned a valuable lesson the hard way, that lighter is better. Now it only goes with us if it can fit in a carry-on, which has worked out really well for a number of years. For this trip it was the first time I limited my gear to one camera body and one lens (50mm). And I have to say it was amazing. Knowing that you only have one lens is actually quite freeing because you’re not overthinking each shot, and it forces you to shoot in a different style than all those times when you’ve got 3-5 lenses in your bag.

What about Hanoi? Loved it. Really loved it. We stayed in the Old Quarter for a few days and did all of our exploring by foot. Which, in my opinion, is the BEST way to see a city. You’re free to move at your own pace. Anywhere you’re willing to go is available to you. The first day we logged 16.5 miles and ate almost as many meals. Prior to this trip we’ve been lucky to visit places like Istanbul, Turkey, and New Delhi, India, so the chaotic street culture wasn’t new to us. One thing that stood out about Hanoi is the people and their general demeanour. The streets of New Delhi are pure chaos, filled with desperate people trying get your money by any means possible. (Side note: New Delhi might be my favorite place ever.) Hanoi was different. While most of the people are “poor”, they seem genuinely happy, and could have cared less that a couple Americans were wandering their streets. At the same time, they were also very inviting and happy to have us. There was no desperation in the people. They just do what they need to do with a smile on their face. Hopefully these images give you a feeling for what it’s like to be on the streets of Hanoi. If you need any more convincing, just look up what Anthony Bourdain had to say about Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular.

Hanoi, Vietnam street photography

A Vietnamese woman carrying food on her bicycle to sell on the streets of Hanoi

The streets of Hanoi, Vietnam

Caged chickens at a restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam

A woman preparing dead chickens to cook at a restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam

Cowboy Photography - American West

American West - Cowboy Photography - Wall Art

Photographing cowboys in the American West has been so many adjectives. Just scrolling through images to make this blog post gives me even more appreciation for the work, life, and culture of these people. As of this writing I’ve been lucky to photograph on cattle ranches in Nevada, California, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, and Wyoming. Which has been an education in and of itself, seeing all the differences from region to region. Not sure how long thing has been going on no, but the desire to continue only grows with each ranch visited. Certainly my favorite project to date.

Click here to see more of my cowboy photography and contact me directly to purchase wall art from the American Cowboy series. All of my images are available as prints for your home, office, or commercial space.

Fulstone Ranch - Bridgeport, California

Dave Ennis - Wyoming Cowboy

Diamond A Ranch - Seligman, Arizona

Cowboy “Office” - Idaho

Dwight Hill - Buckaroo - Idaho

Diamond A Ranch - Seligman, Arizona

Dwight Hill - Buckaroo -Idaho

American West Photography

Cowboy Photography - Prints

It’s always great to get press on your work, especially when it’s a big outlet like the Daily Mail. If you want to go on “followers’, they come in at 22+million on Facebook, whatever that means. Either way, I’m honored to have them do a feature on my cowboy photography - a project I love. It’s also quite young compared to some of the others like Barbershops of America or American Backcourts, which have both been going on now for ten years!

Click here to see more of my cowboy photography. Or contact me directly if you’re looking Western prints / wall art for your home, office, or commercial space.