Cohoes, New York

Photographs of Cohoes, New York

Cohoes, New York is a small city just on the other side of the Hudson River from where I grew up in Averill Park. Despite the proximity, it’s a place I don’t ever recall visiting for any reason. So it was nice to spend some time there exploring with a camera. Like a lot of small towns in Upstate New York, Cohoes has an industrial past. It’s nickname is the “Spindle City” because of the involvement in textile manufacturing in the 19th Century went vast amounts of cotton was shipped to Cohoes from the deep south. There are so many places in New York that had a heyday due to one industry or another, but have remained stagnant at best, ever since. You get that feeling from Cohoes. The architecture is beautiful - homes, commercial buildings, churches, and of course the famous Cohoes Armory were all built with pride, and come together collectively to give the city a lot of character.

Photograph of homes in Cohoes, New York

Old homes in Cohoes, New York

Photograph of a hair salon in Cohoes, New York

Danielle’s House of Hair - Cohoes, New York

Photograph of the National Bank of Cohoes

Cohoes, New York Photography

Historic photograph of Cohoes, New York

Train track running by St. John’s Church in Cohoes, New York

Photograph of Remsen St. in Cohoes, New York

Photograph of the business’ on Remsen St. in Cohoes, New York

Photograph of a flower shop in Cohoes, New York

Flower shop - Cohoes, New York

Photograph of Dennis Holzman Antiques in Cohoes, New York

Antique shop in Cohoes, NY

Photograph of the Cohoes Armory in Cohoes, New York

Cohoes Armory

Photograph of an old church in Cohoes, New York

Old church in Cohoes, NY

Photograph of beautiful old brick homes in Cohoes, NY

Cohoes, NY architecture

Photograph of Cohoes in Upstate New York

Cohoes, New York Photography

Troy, New York Photographs

Troy, NY Photography Prints – Historic Collar City Wall Art & Licensing

Why Troy Still Feels Like Home

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.

Historic Character and Landmark Views

Troy’s nickname, the “Collar City,” comes from its industrial past - but what stands out today is the mix of preservation and grit. The Central Troy Historic District is lined with 19th-century rowhouses, St. Patrick’s Church rises in Gothic stone, and the Sycaway Water Tower still watches from the hillside. From the hill at RPI, you can see the entire city stacked against the Hudson, with the Green Island Bridge tying it all together. These are the scenes that made their way into my prints - quiet, weathered, and timeless.

Fine Art Prints: Sizes, Editions, and Pricing

Every photograph of Troy in this collection is available as a fine art print, made on museum-grade archival paper. Open edition prints start around $50 for smaller sizes (8×10"), while large limited edition prints are signed, numbered, and produced at sizes up to 36×48". Each piece is crafted to last a lifetime and can be framed to fit your space. Whether it’s for a living room, office, or gallery wall, these prints bring a piece of Troy’s story into your everyday environment.

Licensing Troy Photographs for Editorial & Commercial Use

For businesses, publishers, or art directors looking to license Troy imagery, these photographs are available for editorial and commercial licensing. From historic architecture to atmospheric black-and-white cityscapes, the images can work for magazines, marketing campaigns, and creative projects. Licensing terms are flexible depending on your needs—just reach out directly to start the conversation.

Troy has always been a mix of nostalgia and resilience for me. These photographs hold on to that character, offering more than just a view—they carry the texture of a city that built its name on hard work and history. Contact me directly if you’d like to discuss licensing or to purchase a photography print of Troy, NY for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view photographs of neighboring city Cohoes, NY

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 - Troy, NY

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 - Troy, NY

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


Photographs of Albany, New York - Historical Landmarks

ALBANY, NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS - BLACK AND WHITE WALL ART

Albany, New York is not just a place I photograph — it’s a place I grew up around and have spent years returning to with intention. Long before I ever thought about selling prints, these streets, buildings, and public spaces were simply part of daily life. Over time, familiarity turned into attention, and attention into a deeper understanding of the city’s visual character.

This collection of black and white Albany photography prints is shaped by that long relationship. Rather than focusing on postcard views or seasonal color, the work centers on structure, atmosphere, and permanence — images made slowly, often in fog or winter light, when Albany feels most restrained and honest. The photographs are created with wall placement in mind, designed to live comfortably in homes, offices, and professional interiors.

Albany Architecture as Timeless Wall Art

Albany’s architecture carries a sense of weight and permanence that translates naturally into fine art wall pieces. Built from stone, iron, and masonry, many of the city’s most recognizable buildings were designed to project authority and longevity — qualities that hold strong visual presence in black and white.

By removing color, these photographs emphasize form, proportion, and texture. The result is wall art that doesn’t overwhelm a space, but quietly anchors it. These prints work especially well in environments where calm, confidence, and restraint matter — law offices, executive spaces, libraries, and thoughtfully designed homes.

Black and White Albany Prints for Interiors and Offices

These Albany wall art prints are often chosen for spaces that value subtlety over decoration. The neutral palette allows the work to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to modern.

Common placements include:

  • Law firms and professional offices

  • Corporate and executive interiors

  • Residential living spaces and studies

  • Libraries, hallways, and curated commercial environments

Each photograph is offered as a fine art print produced using archival materials, ensuring long-term stability and clarity when displayed.

A Personal View of Albany, New York

Because I grew up around Albany, these photographs are not about discovering the city — they are about noticing it. Many of the images were made during quiet moments, early in the morning or in winter, when fog softens edges and reduces the city to its essential forms.

This approach results in photographs that feel measured and lived-in rather than dramatic or stylized. The goal is not to explain Albany, but to allow the work to hold space — to be something a viewer can return to over time without visual fatigue.

What This Albany Print Collection Includes

This series includes a range of architectural and city subjects throughout Albany, New York:

  • Historic government buildings and civic spaces

  • Architectural details such as lampposts, stairways, and stonework

  • Modern landmarks presented with restraint

  • Streets and public areas shaped by seasonal light and fog

All images are presented in black and white, emphasizing consistency across the collection and making the work suitable for cohesive wall groupings or single statement pieces.

Collecting Albany Wall Art Prints

Each photograph in this collection is available as a fine art print in multiple sizes. Prints are produced using archival processes and materials, with options appropriate for both residential and professional settings.

Collectors, interior designers, and offices looking for custom sizing or placement guidance are encouraged to reach out directly. The goal is not simply to sell prints, but to place work thoughtfully and with intention.

Explore Available Albany Prints

If you’re interested in adding an Albany photograph to your space, you can reach out to me directly for size and pricing options.

Click HERE to view my photographs of Troy, NY

CONTACT ROB
Black and white photograph of the New York State Capitol partially obscured by winter trees in Albany

The New York State Capitol recedes behind bare winter trees as fog softens its presence. Offered as a black and white fine art print, this image brings calm structure and atmosphere to a thoughtfully designed space.

Black and white architectural photograph of Empire State Plaza buildings in Albany, New York

Empire State Plaza emerges through fog, emphasizing clean lines, scale, and negative space. Offered as a black and white fine art print, this image pairs naturally with modern offices and contemporary interiors.

Timeless black and white photography print of Albany, New York

Classic black and white photograph of Albany, NY

Black and white photograph of cathedral spires emerging through fog in Albany, New York

Cathedral spires of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY rise quietly through dense fog, reducing the city to silhouette and form. This black and white photograph is available as a fine art print suited for calm, contemplative interiors.

Black and white photograph of The Egg performing arts center in Albany, New York

Empire State Plaza - A close architectural study of The Egg, where curve and concrete dominate the frame. This black and white photograph is available as a fine art print suited for modern collections and minimalist interiors.

Black and white photograph of birds flying past a tall government building in Albany, New York

A flock of birds breaks the stillness above the Alfred E. Smith building, adding movement to an otherwise rigid form. This photograph is offered as a fine art print that balances structure with quiet energy.

Black and white photograph of decorative balustrades and lampposts at the New York State Capitol in fog

Decorative stonework and lampposts lead the eye toward the Capitol as fog softens the background. This photograph is offered as a fine art print that brings quiet structure to professional spaces.

Black and white photograph of the New York State Capitol with symmetrical towers and a central evergreen

Symmetry, fog, and restrained contrast reduce the Capitol to pure form. This photograph is offered as a fine art print that works especially well in offices and interiors where quiet authority matters.

Black and white architectural photograph of an Albany, New York landmark displayed in a high-end attorney’s office with dark wood paneling and classic furnishings

A black and white architectural photograph of Albany, New York, shown here installed in a high-end attorney’s office. The fog-softened historic architecture and bare winter trees bring a quiet sense of permanence and authority to a refined professional space.

Black and white photograph of The Egg performing arts center partially obscured by fog in Albany

The Egg appears as a softened form within heavy fog, emphasizing scale and negative space. This photograph is offered as a fine art print that pairs naturally with modern offices and minimalist interiors.

Black and white photography print of historic Albany, NY architecture

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

Black and white photograph of a statue in Washington Park framed by bare tree branches in Albany

A statue of George Washington stands quietly framed by winter branches and softened by fog. This black and white photograph is available as a fine art print for collectors drawn to subtle narrative and atmosphere.

Black and white photography print of the statue and staircase in front of the Capital building in Albany, NY

Photography print of Albany, NY

Black and white photograph of a columned government building along an empty street in Albany

A long row of columns fades into fog along a quiet Albany street, emphasizing repetition and scale. This black and white photograph is available as a fine art print designed for calm, formal environments.

A single lamppost anchors an empty Albany street as fog dissolves the surrounding architecture. This photograph is available as a fine art print well suited for professional spaces and restrained interiors.

The sweeping curve of The Egg floats above Albany’s softened skyline as fog reduces detail and scale. Offered as a fine art print, this photograph brings a quiet modern presence to contemporary spaces.

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”

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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