Troy, NY: A Visual Journey Through History

Authentic Fine Art Photographs of Troy, NY

Troy, NY is an industrial city that’s been through a lot of change and it shows. I grew up about 20 minutes from Troy and spent a lot of sinful nights there with a bad Fake ID at bars that have long been shut down or turned into pawnshops. At 4am we always ended up at I love New York Pizza soaking up the booze with dollar slices while waiting for the inevitable fight to erupt on 4th St. I love is still there but they shut down at 1am. Just a few of the many changes that have taken place in the Collar City. Visiting now, 20 years later with different eyes, it’s a whole new experience. You can see why the locals have so much pride. Not just for what Troy has become, but also for the history that is written all over the architecture of it’s many historic buildings. You can feel what Troy was in it’s heyday and that almost makes you want to experience the city at that time. Sure it was rough, and still is in parts, but the Italian food alone would be worth the experience. It’s not all gone though. There are still long running institutions like Bella Napoli, DeFazio’s Pizza, and the iconic Famous Lunch Hot Dogs. It’s even got good beer now - Brown’s Brewing Company is well worth the stop for any connoisseur. I never bothered to look deeply at Troy back in the day, but it’s become a favorite place to photograph every time I return home to visit family and friends. The city has a lot of character that deserves to be documented.

Early History & Founding

  • Originally inhabited by the Mohican people, the area that became Troy was first settled by Dutch and English colonists in the late 17th century.

  • The city’s location along the Hudson River made it a strategic point for trade and transportation.

  • Officially named Troy in 1789, it was incorporated as a village in 1801 and as a city in 1816.

Industrial Boom & the Collar City

  • Troy became a manufacturing powerhouse in the 19th century, particularly known for its iron and steel industries. The city played a significant role in producing materials for the Erie Canal and the railroads that expanded across the country.

  • It was a major producer of textiles, particularly detachable shirt collars, which gave Troy its nickname, the "Collar City." Cluett, Peabody & Co., based in Troy, popularized Arrow brand shirts.

  • The city was home to numerous iron foundries and was instrumental in producing materials used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and machinery across the U.S.

  • Troy was also the birthplace of the first fully functional fire hydrant, developed by inventor Birdsill Holly in the mid-19th century.

Connection to the American Civil War

  • Troy’s industry played a vital role in supplying the Union Army with weapons, ironclad ships, and other wartime materials.

  • The city was home to the famous "Troy Female Seminary" (now Emma Willard School), one of the first schools in the U.S. to provide higher education to women.

Economic Decline & Modern Revitalization

  • Like many industrial cities, Troy suffered economic decline in the mid-20th century due to the collapse of the manufacturing sector.

  • However, in recent decades, the city has experienced a resurgence, with historic preservation efforts, a growing arts and culture scene, and an influx of small businesses, restaurants, and creative industries.

  • The city's beautifully preserved architecture, from Federal-style townhouses to grand Victorian-era buildings, has made it a center for history buffs, artists, and photographers.

Troy Today

  • Today, Troy is known for its thriving arts community, farmer’s markets, and strong sense of local pride.

  • It remains home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the oldest technological universities in the country.

  • The city's waterfront, historic districts, and vibrant downtown continue to draw visitors and locals alike, offering a mix of history and modern energy.

Contact me directly if you’d like to purchase a photography print of Troy, NY for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Black and white photograph of Green Island Bridge in Troy, NY

The Green Island Bridge in Troy, NY

Historic photograph of Troy, New York

Black and white photograph of Troy, New York

Photograph of St. Patricks Church in Troy, NY

St. Patrick’s Church - Troy, NY

Photograph of Rodino's Tuxedo Shop in Troy, NY

Rodino’s

Photograph of the Sycaway Water Tower in Troy, NY

Sycaway Water Tower

Black and white historical photograph of Troy, NY

Church spires in Troy, NY

Photograph of the Famous Lunch hot dog restaurant in Troy, NY

Famous Lunch Hot Dogs - Troy, NY

Photograph of soda cans for sale hanging up at Famous Lunch Hot Dogs in Troy, NY

Soda for sale at Famous Lunch in Troy, NY

Photograph of a man working inside Famous Lunch Hot Dogs in Troy, NY

World Famous Hot Dogs since 1932

Photograph of a train bridge along the Hudson River near Troy, NY

Train bridge on the Hudson River in Upstate New York

Photograph of Uncle Sam Lanes bowling alley in Troy, NY

Uncle Sam Lanes

The view of Troy from the campus of RPI

Overlooking the city of Troy from the Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute

Black and white photograph of a basketball hoop under a bridge in Troy, NY

Troy Basketball

Photograph of homes in the typical architectural style of Troy, NY

Homes in the city of Troy, NY

Tree shadows on the beautiful architecture of an old church in Troy, NY

Architecture of an old church in Troy, NY

The best barbershop in Troy, NY

Barbershop

Photograph of a girl writing on a typewriter at Yellow Lab Vintage and Books in Troy, NY

Used book store in Troy, NY

Photograph of the Livingston Avenue Bridge on the Hudson River

Livingston Avenue Bridge

Black and white photograph of an iconic bride in Troy, NY

Troy, NY


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

Albany, New York Photography Gallery

West Sand Lake; a one stoplight town just outside of Albany, NY is where I was born and raised. As a kid I didn’t care much for it or any of the surrounding area. There was nothing to see and nothing to do. Being 2.5 hours from “The City” made my outlook even worse and stoked a desire to be there, where it was all happening 24/365.  During college we had a damn good time making a mockery out of just about every bar between Albany and Troy. That seemed like all the place was good for though, and by 25 I reached a breaking point and decided to move with a friend to San Diego - a part of the country that couldn’t be any more opposite from home. That was about 20 years ago and I’ve loved living in different parts of the West ever since, if you don’t count one skid mark of a year in Raleigh, North Carolina. Either way, the desire to see family and friends always brings me back to the Capital Region. 

Maybe it’s just age and the ability to slowly pull one's head out of one's ass, but my opinion of Capitoland has done a 180. In fact, it’s dawned on me that most of the towns I’m attracted to photographing during road trips across America, remind me of home. And now that I’ve stopped to look around a little, it’s easy to see why locals take pride in Capitaland. It’s got a gritty unapologetic character. A slower pace of living. Good food. Parks. Open spaces. The River. History. And easy access to the Adirondacks. 

Over the recent holidays I spent some time shooting in downtown Albany. The weather was incredible. For shooting, not so much for living. A thick blanket of fog covered the entire city. It was great. I walked around for two hours drooling over the architecture, some of which isn’t so different from buildings you might see in a European city. Just about the time the freezing rain started and I thought about calling it a day, a guy walked out of an apartment, looked at me taking photographs and asked “where are you from?” I lifted my hand and pointed to the ground.  To which he responded “oh, I was gonna say, there ain’t nothing to see here”. 

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 photography print of the New York State Capital Building in Albany, NY

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

Classic black and white photograph of Albany, NY

Black and white photograph of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York

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

Lake George Nature Photography

Lake George Landscape Wall Art

Adirondacks in the Fall - Prints

Feeling very grateful after spending the entire month of October in the Adirondacks, more specifically in Lake George, NY. And what a time it was to be there with the fall foliage in all it’s glory. After living in a place essentially without seasons (San Diego), it was refreshing to be around all that color. I did some shooting for a regional magazine which required a lot of hiking around the lake up Pilot Knob Trail, Black Mountain Trail, and Cat Mountain Trail. The main focus was to shoot hiking, but of course the surroundings were so inspiring that I had to make some landscape photographs along the way. Can you call these landscapes?? I suppose they are more abstract nature photographs.

Contact me directly about Lake George wall art. All of my images are available as prints in varying sizes for your home, office, or commercial space.

Black and white photograph of a forest in Lake George, NY

Fine art nature photograph in Lake George, NY - Adirondacks

Lake George, New York landscape photography

Lake George Nature Photography - Adirondacks

Photography print of the fall foliage in Lake George, NY

Lake George Nature Photography Prints

Photograph of a hike in Lake George, NY during the fall foliage

Fall foliage in Lake George, NY - Nature Photography

Landscape photography of a forest in Lake, George, NY during fall foliage

Nature Photography - Lake George, NY - Adirondack Prints

Black and white nature photograph of the forest in Lake George, NY

Black and white nature photography - Lake George, NY

Duck Hunting the New York Finger Lakes

Experience the Grit of Duck Hunting - Photography - Real Hunts, Real Gear, Real Moments

Duck hunting on the Finger Lakes in New York is an experience unlike any other—one that tests both hunters and their gear against the harsh conditions of early mornings, biting winds, and unpredictable weather. As a duck hunting photographer, I specialize in capturing these authentic, candid moments from real hunts, where the true spirit of the chase is laid bare. From the first light of dawn to the final shot of the day, my photographs document the rugged beauty of this experience, showcasing not just the action but the challenges and camaraderie that define it.

The Finger Lakes region offers a stunning backdrop for hunting, but the conditions can be grueling. The cold, icy waters and the need for quick reflexes require hunters to be prepared for anything. It’s in these raw, unpredictable moments—whether a hunter battling the chill, adjusting gear in a boat, or watching the horizon for a duck’s silhouette—that the true essence of duck hunting comes alive. My focus is to document these moments with authenticity, highlighting the grit and determination needed to thrive in such harsh conditions.

In my duck hunting photography, I capture more than just the gear; I aim to tell a story of perseverance and passion. Whether it’s the intense concentration as a hunter scans the water, the quick motion of retrieving a fallen bird, or the subtle details of weathered gear, my images reflect the heart of what it means to hunt on the Finger Lakes. These candid shots are perfect for those who want to immortalize their hunting experience, showcasing their gear in the context of real, demanding hunts.

If you’re looking to showcase your hunting gear in its most authentic form, capturing the true spirit of a hunt on the Finger Lakes, I invite you to work with me. My photography is not just about equipment—it’s about the experience, the dedication, and the beauty of duck hunting in one of the most challenging environments. rob@robhammerphotography.com

Pugsly's SideShow Barbershop

Best barbershop in Upstate New York

Pugsly’s Barbershop - Kingston, NY

Way back in 2012-ish I met the Nefarious Dr. Pugsly at his original shop in Kingston, NY. No remembrance of how we came in contact or how I ended up at his shop, but glad I did. He’s an interesting cat and his place was the first of the “next generation” shops I came across where you could feel an immense amount of pride and a very high bar for service. His cuts are next level and it’s obvious that he wants his shop to reflect that. Since our first meeting, a lot has happened with him, including a second “sideshow” shop (featured below) not far from the original. During the final push for the last book I of course wanted to include his new shop, but the only time I had to photograph it on my trip cross country was Christmas Eve. He graciously took time out of his schedule to open up and even more graciously gave me a beard trim. Thank you, Dr. !

Give him a follow on IG @pugsly_dude or check out his website www.pugslysbarbershop.com

Click here to read the last Q&A with Joe from Joe’s Barbershop in Chicago.

Click here to check out the book


“This is a trade. It’s not a fashion show, it’s not politics”

PugslysSideshowBarbershop-9264.jpg

1) Where are you from and what did you do before barbering?

So, I'm born and raised here in Kingston. I had the opportunity to spend some pretty personal time with most of our country traveling and playing music really early on. As far as formal work, I made most of my living around cars. I worked in a pretty standard repair shop for a while. Learned a lot. Basic car knowledge. Eventually found my way into car audio and custom installs. There, the crew had pretty free run of the shop. We all built a ton of rad stuff there! Lastly i found myself in a local Kustom shop. I'll always be grateful for that opportunity, the friends and lessons I took from that time. I fell in love with metal flake, fancy cast parts, and I received the nickname Pugsly. 

What is the meaning behind Pugsly? 

Pugsly was just a nickname I picked up in a small circle that spread a bit, for a min there. Sounded fun for a shop name... kind of low browy? Either way, that's why Pugsly!

What did you take from building cars that carried on to being a barber? 

Man, I worked in a garage with a group of my best dudes for years where we did audio by day and by night we had full range. We built some crazy stuff in that place! But we had some pretty gnarly work ethic.  You've never seen more organized boxes and work areas. We got really, really involved in our install work. I think I learned a standard there that I took with me.

2) You have 2 beautiful shops that I would say are on a different level from most. Can you talk about your process of putting them together? How does it start and how far are they from the original idea/concept? 

I built my first shop in last few months of 2007. At that time I was watching only a few different shops from the side lines. A couple of which were Lefty's, obviously out of San Diego via MySpace, and Robs Chop Shop out of Dallas who I had met and known personally through the car community. I was just trying to set up a very traditional, walk-in,  gentleman's  style environment. What I felt to be a 1940's style barbershop visually but my main focus was the product. Both the cut and experience riding the same level of importance. I pretty quickly established as diverse of a clientele as I had hoped. As time progressed minor, natural adjustment took place but for the most part Pugslys remains what it set out to be. 

The main problem I found with the original business model was the wait time. I was noticing negative trends concerning client retention. That sparked the idea for shop number two. Pugsly's SideShow was the solution. A small "SideShow" of a location that would except appointments only. With a little bit of a tongue in cheek approach in coordination with the name, the decor took a little bit more of a funky approach. It might be a little bit more representative of me personally.  The only thing I've seen changing and fairly rapidly with business model number 2 is the fact that SideShow started as a "small offshoot" but is quickly growing to the size of the original shop with the popularity of the more modern appointment set up. To be considered moving forward for sure.

PugslysSideshowBarbershop-9253.jpg

You seem like a fairly obsessive person? And I don't mean that in a bad way at all. Quite positive actually. Can you talk about how that translates into your shops and your cuts? 

So thanks? No, I think that's fair and I think that it helps with consistency and some organization within the shops. As far as the cuts and work ethic, I think our crew shares the same thing that the boys from Burts garage did. We feed off of each other. Push each other's standards a little. So it's good. I know we all get pretty nerdy about our haircuts sometimes.

3) Are there any specific factors that you can pinpoint which have lead to your success as a barber? 

I try to be cool to the people that make it possible to pay my bills. I'm hyper focused on giving the best product that I can start to finish. I feel very fortunate to be wired in a manor that I take pride in what I do. I think you have to really believe in what your doing if other people are going to believe what your doing. 

4) You have a great reputation for giving beautiful haircuts, but live in what a lot of people would consider a "small market". Kingston isn't in NYC, but it's also not really upstate. Can you talk about your decision to stay in Kingston as opposed to moving to NYC or LA or any other big market? 

I just wanted to open a barbershop. Every town needs one and my town NEEDED one. The little Hudson valley city that I grew up in was still moving pretty good when I was a kid and until the boom we've experienced in the past decade, I'm not sure how much I noticed the down time we went through. I've benefited from it, established a clientele I couldn't have predicted, but I guess I was just doing what I knew at the time.

 Would you ever consider leaving Kingston? 

Absolutely... We considerate it all the time. Just not sure what really gets better then this at the moment.  We got family, a cool crib, good people, the Hudson valley itself is just a rad place... it's hard to justify a move, right now anyway.

5) What kind of things do you see barbers today doing wrong? 

This is a trade. It's not a fashion show, it's not politics.

PugslysSideshowBarbershop-9593.jpg

6) What do you do outside of the shop? Hobbies? Obsessions? 

I'm a husband and a proud father. I love cars and motorbikes. I really like paint. I play music. Vacation state of mind.

7) Where do you see yourself in 5/10/25 years? 

Cutting hair. I couldn't have imagined almost 11 years ago that I'd have the support or clientele, established the relationships, or the crew that holds this whole project together. No matter where it goes from here I want to be cutting hair. I feel like that means slowing down sometimes. 

PugslysSideshowBarbershop-9262.jpg

8) Thoughts on the IG age of barbering? 

I've made so many friends, pulled so much inspiration, and traveled both domestically and internationally on behalf of my family from Australia, Uppercut Deluxe. All opportunities presented to me through IG. All though, I feel like I've seen some people loose balance a little when it comes to what really makes their world go around. 

9) Can you think of any major screw-up or failures in your life that ended up leading to something great? 

I mean, I guess high school was tough for me. Not that I couldn't do it, I just didn't want to and they didn't keep my interest. But I did invest myself in other things, some real deal collage at one point even, and one of them ended up being barbering. I'm pretty happy about that. 

10) Any barbers/shops out there that you look up to? 

Yeah! A lot of them! I don't even want to rattle off names because I'm afraid to miss someone super important... I have been in so many shops. I've taken so many things, inspirations, ethics, personality, from so many shops... it would be a big list. But my big brother shop is Robs chop Shop in Dallas. That's the guy that popped the bubble, made me think... I should just go to barber school already. 

PugslysSideshowBarbershop-9319.jpg

Buffalo, NY

One of the many great things about road trips is the food you can find along your way. Some of it is totally random. And then there are places which are obviously known for a certain kind of food. Buffalo, NY is one of those places. Birthplace of the chicken wing. I'm originally from NY, so naturally have a deep appreciation for the chicken wing. Now living out in San Diego, it's hard to find a proper wing. So while traveling through western NY, I thought it only fitting to try the best. I'd never been to Buffalo before, and it seemed like a good enough excuse? Buffalo itself was a pretty cool place. Has a very "neighborhood" feel to it. Like everything is friendly and local. The outskirts though, were much different. Lots of deserted old factories. Great for shooting. And had it not been for the chicken wing, I never would have stumbled on this scene. Sometimes it pays to eat. 

TRAVEL.MORE. 

Rob Hammer