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

Photographs of Helper, Utah: From coal town to creative heaven

Helper, Utah Photographs: Capturing a Desert Artist’s Community

Helper is one of the seemingly endless gems available to any road tripper willing to get off the beaten path while exploring Utah. Years ago I was driving up the 191 and stopped to make a photograph of the old sign for the Balance Rock Motel. I’m a sucker for vintage signage anyway, but this was particularly interesting with the stark desert features in the background. Add in the 7up sign and it became a must stop. Looking around there was no inclination of any sort of civilization, let alone an entire town. While standing there making photographs a policeman stopped to ask what I was doing and seemed satisfied enough with the answer. Afterward I continued on my way, thinking there was nothing else in the area at all to photograph. Some ten years later I discovered a thriving artist community in Helper, tucked away off the 191. The 191 is a stunning backroad for people driving south from Salt Lake City and continuing east on the 70. Driving into town is sort of a “holy shit” moment. Why is this town here and how does it survive? And the only real answer is art! Helper, Utah is an artist community in the middle of nowhere filled with galleries! It’s such an incredibly unique place. In all my travels I’ve never really seen anything like it. And the excitement that comes from discovering such a town is what keep me addicting to road trips!

Contact me directly if you’d like to use my photographs of Helper, Utah for editorial or commercial purpose. Prints also available.

ContACT ROB ABOUT PRINTS+LICENSING
Photograph of the Balance Rock Mote Sign in Helper, Utah

The Balance Rock Motel - Helper, Utah

Photograph of the Lasalle restaurant in Helper, Utah

Lasalle’s - Helper, Utah

Black and white photograph of the view up Main Street in Helper, Utah

Main St. - Helper, Utah

Photograph of the Strand Theater on Main St. in Helper, Utah

The Strand Theater in Helper, Utah

Black and white photograph of the Hotel Newhouse in Helper, Utah

The Hotel Newhouse

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 & Architecture

ALBANY, NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHS

Growing Up Around Albany, New York

I grew up in the Albany area, and my relationship with the city has always been shaped by familiarity rather than novelty. It’s a place I knew long before I ever photographed it—through daily routines, changing neighborhoods, and the quiet rhythms of a city that rarely tries to impress anyone.

That familiarity is what eventually pulled me back with a camera. Photographing Albany wasn’t about rediscovery so much as paying closer attention. I wasn’t looking for defining moments or iconic views. I was interested in the spaces that felt ordinary enough to be overlooked, yet permanent enough to hold memory.

Photographing Albany as a Lived-In City

This photography series is rooted in observation rather than spectacle. Albany is a city layered with history—Federal and Victorian architecture, civic buildings, industrial remnants, and residential streets shaped by decades of quiet change. Much of that history lives in plain sight.

I gravitated toward scenes that reflect that lived-in quality: empty streets, weathered facades, winter light, and moments where architecture and atmosphere intersect. These photographs are intentionally restrained. They aren’t meant to dramatize the city, but to reflect it honestly.

The goal is not to explain Albany, but to let it exist as it is.

Architecture, Atmosphere, and the In-Between

Many of the photographs in this series focus on architecture, but not in a formal or celebratory way. I’m less interested in buildings as symbols than as backdrops for daily life—structures shaped by use, time, and weather.

Light plays an important role. Fog, snow, and low winter sun soften edges and slow the pace of looking. These conditions reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed, and they echo how the city often feels to move through: quiet, deliberate, and grounded.

This approach mirrors how I work across my broader documentary projects—allowing place to speak without forcing a narrative.

A Long-Term Documentary Project

This Albany photography project is ongoing. The city continues to change, and my relationship to it continues to evolve as well. Returning with a camera allows me to see familiar spaces with fresh attention, while still photographing from a position of understanding rather than distance.

The photographs aren’t meant to define Albany, but to contribute to a broader visual record of American cities—particularly those that exist outside the usual spotlight.

From the Project to the Prints

While this page focuses on the documentary work itself, many of these photographs are available as fine art prints. The prints are produced with the same care and intention as the photographs, emphasizing longevity, material quality, and thoughtful presentation.

If you’re interested in viewing available work from this series, you can explore the print collection below.

View available Albany photography prints

Click HERE to view my photographs of Troy, NY

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 in Albany, NY

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.

Timeless black and white photograph 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Symmetry, fog, and restrained contrast reduce the the New York Sate Capitol building 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.

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.

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

Timeless black and white photograph of Albany, NY architecture

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.

Black and white photograph of Albany, NY architecture

A single lamppost anchors an empty Albany street as fog dissolves the surrounding architecture.

Black and white fine art photograph of The Egg and architecture in Albany, NY

The sweeping curve of The Egg floats above Albany’s softened skyline as fog reduces detail and scale.

Elevating Outdoor Brands: Capturing the Spirit of Exploration

Showcasing Outdoor Apparel with Professional Outdoor Lifestyle Photography

As an advertising photographer specializing in outdoor apparel, I recently had the privilege of collaborating with Triple Aught Design (TAD) to create a dynamic photo series showcasing their rugged and versatile gear. This project combined my love of the outdoors with the artistry of visual storytelling, and it’s a testament to how intentional photography can elevate an outdoor brand’s identity.

Capturing the Spirit of Exploration

Triple Aught Design’s mission is to provide durable, high-performance gear for adventurers and explorers. My goal as a photographer was to convey the quality, utility, and aesthetic appeal of their products through imagery. We wanted every shot to tell a story of resilience and exploration while highlighting the technical features of their apparel.

Location as a Character

We shot this campaign in Gold Hill, Colorado, an area renowned for its sweeping vistas, rugged terrain, and golden light. By incorporating the natural environment, we ensured the photographs authentically mirrored the real-life conditions their customers face. Capturing these moments wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about aligning the apparel with the adventurous spirit of the audience.

The Impact of Professional Outdoor Lifestyle Photography

Effective advertising photography goes beyond a good picture. It builds trust, showcases craftsmanship, and creates an emotional connection with customers. Through dynamic action shots, detailed product close-ups, and environmental portraits, I demonstrated how TAD’s gear performs in the field, ensuring their audience could see themselves in the adventure.

Why Your Brand Needs a Photographer Who Gets the Outdoors

Outdoor apparel companies require more than generic studio shots—they need images that embody the essence of exploration. As a photographer, I focus on creating compelling visuals that:

  • Showcase your gear in real-life conditions.

  • Emphasize functionality, comfort, and durability.

  • Tell a cohesive brand story that resonates with your audience.

Let’s Collaborate

If you’re an outdoor apparel brand looking for a photographer who understands the intersection of gear and adventure, let’s work together to bring your vision to life. I bring years of experience, a passion for the outdoors, and a commitment to capturing images that inspire trust and engagement.

Click here to see more of my outdoor adventure photography

Triple Aught Design

Tactical apparel from Triple Aught Design

Outdoor apparel photoshoot

Outdoor apparel photography

Outdoor adventure photographer

Triple Aught Design Gear

Adventure lifestyle photography

Tactical gear for men - photoshoot

Men’s outdoor apparel photographer

Men’s lifestyle apparel photography

Capture the Spirit of the American West with Fine Art Prints of Old Corrals on Historic Cattle Ranches

Timeless Beauty of Old Corrals: Fine Art Photography Prints

Ian Tyson said best with the now famous line “I like old corrals and sagebrush…”

The American West is a land rich with tradition, rugged landscapes, and stories that span generations. Among the most iconic and enduring symbols of this heritage are the old corrals on cattle ranches that have been used for decades, if not centuries, to round up and care for livestock. These weathered, rustic structures hold a deep connection to the West’s cowboy culture and the hardworking men and women who maintain the traditions of the land.

As a Western photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing the beauty and authenticity of these historic corrals, immortalizing them in fine art photography prints. The texture of aged wood, the worn fences, and the fading paint tell a story of hard work, resilience, and a lifestyle that is slowly fading from the modern landscape. Each photograph brings to life the essence of ranching life in the American West—gritty, timeless, and beautifully raw.

These color and black-and-white prints evoke the nostalgia of a past era, where the sight of a well-worn corral set against sweeping landscapes was part of daily life. Whether you are drawn to the rugged beauty of these structures or simply appreciate the rawness of Western landscapes, these prints make a stunning addition to any collection. They are more than just photographs—they are windows into the heart of the American West, preserving a piece of history for future generations.

Perfect for those who appreciate Western art, rustic decor, or historical photography, these fine art prints of old corrals will transport you to the heart of the American West. They invite the viewer to pause and reflect on the enduring legacy of ranching, while adding an element of rustic elegance to any space.

Contact me directly for editorial/commercial licensing of these old corral photographs - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Shop Fine Art Prints Here

Photograph of an old wood corral in front of an iconic Western backdrop at sunset in Utah

Old wood cattle corrals in the American West

Black and white photograph of wood cattle corrals

Old cattle corrals covered in snow

Montana Cattle Ranch

Morning sun shines on the Sierra Nevada mountains and a cattle ranch outside Bridgeport, CA

Photograph of the cattle pens on the C-Punch Ranch near Lovelock, Nevada

Sunset on a cattle ranch in Arizon

Black and white photograph of wood cattle corrals in front of an iconic Western backdrop

Photograph of wood fence posts reflected in water at sunset on the Diamond A Ranch in Arizona

Wood corrals on a cattle ranch in Colorado

Chasing Trout and Capturing Moments: Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

Fly Fishing Photography Print & Licensing — Big Thompson River, Colorado

Authentic fly-fishing photography from one of Colorado’s most underrated rivers

The Big Thompson River has always felt like one of Colorado’s more underrated fisheries - quiet, accessible, and full of character. On this particular fall day, I was out on the water with a couple guides from Front Range Anglers - John Brown and Charlie Schaeffer, documenting what turned into a textbook session of Euro-nymphing. No setups, no staging, just real moments of passionate fly fisherman doing what they do best.

The river was clear and low, which made for sharp visuals and technical fishing. Golden leaves clung to the canyon walls, and every part of the vibe was a reminder of why people fall in love with fall fly fishing in Colorado.

Why These Photographs Matter

Fly-fishing has always carried a mythology of patience and solitude, but for me, it’s the honest, working rhythm that’s most powerful. Shooting on the Big Thompson wasn’t about chasing a hero shot — it was about capturing how the river feels. The pace, the texture of the current, the breath between casts.

These are the kinds of moments that brands and publications can’t fake. They come from time on the water, earned through cold mornings, missed casts, and small successes. That’s what I want every image to carry — the truth of place and process.

Fine Art Prints

Select photographs from this series are available as museum-quality fine art prints, made with archival inks on heavyweight cotton paper. Each print is produced to highlight the depth and tonal range of the original negative — the way it was meant to be seen.

Perfect for homes, cabins, hospitality spaces, or offices that connect to the American West, these prints bring the stillness and authenticity of the outdoors inside.

Editorial & Commercial Licensing

For outdoor brands, magazines, or tourism boards seeking authentic visual storytelling, this collection is available for editorial and commercial licensing. The images offer an unfiltered look at fly fishing in Colorado’s high country — natural light, real anglers, and an atmosphere that can’t be staged.

Licensing is available directly through the studio. Please reach out to discuss usage and rates:
📩 rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view my photo essay on Colorado fly fishing artist Martin Gerdin

Black and white photograph of fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River

Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

Photograph of fly fisherman and guide on the Big Thompson River

Fly fishing guides on the Big Thompson River

Colorado fly fishing photo for licensing

Fly Fishing in fall color in Colorado

Fly fishing in fall foliage

Fly fisherman walking through fall colors in Colorado

Black and white photo of a fly fisherman in Big Thompson Canyon

Fly fishing a canyon section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of trout jumping out of the Big Thompson River

Rainbow trout jumping out of the river

Fly fishing photograph for licensing

Netting a Rainbow Trout on the Big Thompson River

Black and white portrait of a fly fishing guide

John Brown of Front Range Anglers having a laugh during a day on the river

Black and white photo of two fly fisherman walking up a river - available for licensing

Fly fishing guides from Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman and guide walking up a river in beautiful light

Looking for trout on the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a tree growing out of a rock along the Big Thompson River

Tree roots growing out of a rock

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a large trout in a rugged setting on a river in Colorado

Charlie Schaefer netting a trout on the Big Thompson River outside Loveland, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman holding a trophy trout on the Big Thompson River

A beautiful Rainbow Trout

Two fly fisherman walking through fall foliage on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Fall colors in the river in Colorado

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman holding a rod and reel on the river

Hardy fly rod and reel

Black and white photograph of a fly fishing guide in Colorado available for licensing

One handed

Photograph of a large trout in a net caught by a fly fisherman

Netting a large Rainbow Trout

A fly fisherman smiles while holding a trophy Rainbow trout

Trophy Trout - Colorado

Fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River in Colorado - Black and White Photography

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's arm setting the hook on a trout

Setting the hook

Photograph of a Boulder, CO fly fishing guide on the Big Thompson River

A proper bend in the rod

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's hand holding a trophy rainbow trout

Won’t forget this one

Photograph of a Colorado fishing guide available for licensing

Charlie Schaefer - Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman trying to net a fish on the Big Thompson River

The big ones put up a good fight

Photograph of a beautiful rainbow trout caught on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Textbook Rainbow Trout

Aerial view of a fly fisherman walking up river

Fly fisherman moving up river

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout surrounded by fall colors in Colorado

Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River surrounded by fall color in Colorado

Authentic Cowboy Photography: Preserving the Spirit of the American West

Timeless Images of Cowboys: Fine Art Photography Prints for Western Enthusiasts


Bring the unique charm of the American West into your home with our collection of authentic limited edition cowboy photography prints. Each image captures the spirit of the frontier, showcasing iconic scenes of cowboys in action—wrangling cattle, riding horses across vast open plains, and building bonds in the branding pen.

These hand signed prints highlight the raw beauty of the Western landscape, from sweeping vistas of golden prairies to dramatic mountain backdrops. With a focus on authenticity, each photograph reflects the grit and grace of cowboy life, celebrating the tradition and heritage of this enduring culture.

Perfect for home décor or as a unique gift for lovers of Western history, our prints come in various sizes and formats, allowing you to find the perfect piece to complement your space. Bring the essence of the Wild West into your home with our stunning cowboy photography—where every print tells a story of adventure, resilience, and the timeless allure of the open range.

Shop The Cowboy Collection

Authentic western cowboy photography prints

Black and white framed cowboy photography prints

ML Leddy Cowboy Boots

Custom Cowboy Boot Photographs

Legendary Western Craftsmanship

ML Leddy’s has been making custom cowboy boots in Texas since 1922, and you can feel every bit of that history when you step into their workshop in San Angelo. The storefront is polished and proud—rows of exquisite boots, saddles, and a name that’s been part of Western tradition for over a century. But it’s what’s happening in the back that really caught my attention.

That’s where I spent the day, photographing the boot makers. No models, no staging, just real craftsmen doing the work like it’s been done for generations. Some of these guys have been with Leddy’s for decades. They know the smell of each kind of leather, the sound of a good stitch, the weight of the right tool. Nothing leaves that shop without passing through their hands.

The space itself isn’t glamorous. Harsh light, scuffed floors, machines that look older than most of us. But that’s the point. This isn’t about trends, it’s about tradition. Watching them work, you realize these boots aren’t just footwear. They’re a continuation of something bigger. A legacy. A relationship between maker and wearer that starts long before the first fitting and lasts well beyond the last step.

Photographing in that room felt less like documenting a product and more like honoring a process. This is cowboy culture too, not just on the back of a horse, but in the quiet focus of someone building something with care, precision, and pride. Something that each loyal customer will wear with pride for the rest of their lives.

Fine Art Prints and Licensing

View more western photography

Shop cowboy photography prints

And contact me directly to discuss editorial/commercial licensing options

Contact Rob
ML Leddy’s handmade boots neon sign glowing at night in San Angelo Texas

The iconic neon boot outside ML Leddy’s lights the streets of San Angelo, marking one of the West’s most respected handmade boot shops.

Interior of ML Leddy’s boot workshop with shelves of wooden lasts in San Angelo Texas

The ML Leddy’s workshop is lined with wooden lasts, each one tied to a customer and a specific fit.

Exotic leather hides prepared for handmade cowboy boots at ML Leddy’s

Exotic leathers are carefully selected and cut by hand, each hide destined for a custom pair of cowboy boots.

Bootmaker shaping leather over wooden lasts at ML Leddy’s boot shop

Leather is stretched and shaped directly over wooden lasts, a physical process that defines the character of each boot.

Custom cowboy boots resting on a workbench during construction at ML Leddy’s

A pair of custom boots waits between stages of construction, surrounded by the quiet rhythm of daily work inside the shop.

Craftswoman stitching decorative leather panels for cowboy boots at ML Leddy’s

Decorative stitching is completed on vintage machines, guided by practiced hands and years of experience.

Measuring a boot last for handmade cowboy boots in Texas

Bootmaker hammering leather sole onto a handmade cowboy boot at ML Leddy’s

Every nail is set by hand, reinforcing the sole using techniques passed down through generations of bootmakers.

Bootmaker hand-lasting a cowboy boot inside ML Leddy’s workshop in San Angelo Texas

Handmade cowboy boots in Texas

Custom boot lasts at a cowboy boot store in Texas

Custom boot lasts

Discarded cowboy boot parts after repair at ML Leddy's in San Angelo, TX

Old cowboy boot parts

Finished pair of handmade cowboy boots by ML Leddy’s in San Angelo Texas

A finished pair of handmade cowboy boots, built start to finish inside the ML Leddy’s workshop in Texas.


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.

Photograph of Emiliano Zermeno - owner of Leucadia Barbershop in San Diego, CA

Emiliano Zermeno - San Diego Barber

Photograph of the neon sign in the window at Leucadia Barbershop in Encinitas, CA

Leucadia Barbershop - San Diego, CA

Photograph of hand painted writing on the door of a barbershop

Good Haircuts - Bad Advice

Best barbershop in North County San Diego

Best barbershop in north county San Diego

Photograph of skateboards hanging on the wall at a barbershop in San Diego, CA

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

Black and white photograph of a neon barbershop sign

Barbershop in Encinitas, CA

KJZZ Phoenix Radio

Basketball Photography Exhibition

So happy to see/hear this interview by Mike Brodie on KJZZ Radio in Phoenix with Western Spirit Museum’s exhibition coordinator Henry Terry. They discussed my American Backcourts photographs which will be on display their at the museum in Scottsdale until mid April 2025. It’s so fulfilling to see this project getting recognition after shooting it for 13+ years, so please click the LINK if you’d like to listen to their conversation.

And you can shop the fine art basketball prints from this series HERE

Interview with Mike Brodie of KJZZ Phoeniz

KJZZ Radio interview with Western Spirit Museum’s exhibition coordinator Henry Terry.

Tom Moorhouse

Tom Moorhouse - Cowboy

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Tom Moorhouse is a Texas legend so it’s no wonder that he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. He’s cowboyed all his left. Never wanted to do anything different. A born cowpuncher. Aside from keeping his own herd of cattle, he also worked for many years at the famed Tongue River Ranch and 6666 Ranch. Tom is a hell of a story teller and might just have the best ears in the business. He was very gracious with his time, showing me around the ranch and the cemetery he built there for his wives. It was interesting to hear a guy like Tom being so candidly emotional when talking about them. I’m real grateful to have met and photographed him. Do yourself a favor and look up some videos of Tom online. He’s got a voice perfect for telling cowboy stories that you could listen to for days.

Click HERE to see more of my cowboy photography. And contact me directly for prints - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Black and white portrait of famous Texas cowboy Tom Moorhouse

Tom Moorhouse - Texas Cowboy

Photograph of Tom Moorhouse at the cemetery on his ranch

Cowpuncher - Tom Moorhouse

Portrait of a Texas cowboy

Portrait of legendary Texas cowboy Tom Moorhouse

Black and white portrait of cowboy Tom Moorhouse on his ranch in Texas

Tom Moorhouse



The Year's Best Photographs

American Photography Competition

The American Photography Competition is one of only a handful of competitions that I believe in out of the countless scams out there promising worldwide “exposure” for photographers. So it’s an honor to say that two of my cowboy photographs have been selected for the AP 40 - Year’s Best Photos! If you’d like to be humbled and inspired then go through the gallery of winning images . So much beautiful work in there.

If you’d like to see more of my authentic cowboy photographs go to this Gallery . And go HERE to purchase photography prints from the cowboy series.

Award winning cowboy photography

Award winning Western Photography

Fine Art Basketball Photography

Photography Exhibition - Basketball

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Incredibly thrilled to announce a new exhibition of my American Backcourts series at the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona. Not only is it a honor for me, but I also see it as a big win for the sport of basketball to be featured this way in a western museum. I love the American West so much and have been working on this basketball photography series all over the country for about 13 years now. So to have the game celebrated in place where most people never associate the two, is quite gratifying! If you’re in the area, please stop by to see the show as well as the other incredible exhibitions they have throughout the museum. I particularly enjoyed seeing William Matthews work in person. I’ve been a fan of his for a while now and have enjoyed seeing his work in books, but nothing compares to seeing it in real life.

More from the press release:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., August 22, 2024 –  Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West announced today the opening of the upcoming exhibition Rob Hammer: American Backcourts, which will be on view from August 26, 2024, through April 13, 2025. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the New West by showcasing the distinctive relationship between basketball and the Western United States through the lens of acclaimed photographer Rob Hammer.

 

American Backcourts presents a stunning collection of images that capture the essence of basketball in the West—where the sport, though not traditionally associated with the region, embodies the pioneering spirit that defines the American West. Over 13 years and 300,000 miles, Hammer has traversed the Western United States, documenting rustic and makeshift basketball courts that tell the stories of resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring love of the game.

 

Inspired by a photograph of NBA legend Larry Bird’s childhood hoop in French Lick, Indiana, Hammer’s journey reveals how even the simplest setups can nurture greatness. His work showcases the raw beauty of handmade hoops crafted from whatever materials are at hand, placed in environments as diverse as the Western landscape itself—on dirt, grass, clay, and gravel. These images reflect the love of basketball and the resourceful and indomitable spirit that has come to define the West.

Click here to check out limited edition basketball prints from this series

Photography exhibition of Rob Hammer's basketball series at the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona

Photography exhibition at the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona

The number one western museum in the USA

California Dreaming: A Road Trip Down the Iconic Highway 395

A Journey Through California's Highway 395: Road Trip Photography That Inspires Wanderlust

The 395 doesn’t try to impress you, not at first. It just unfolds, mile by mile, like an old story you’ve heard before but can’t stop listening to. It’s the kind of road that sneaks up on you—not with grand gestures but with a steady, insistent rhythm of landscapes that feel too big, too wild, to be corralled by a single state line. California’s Highway 395 is less a road and more a meditation, a reminder of how much world is left to see if you’re willing to slow down.

I set out with a camera, some maps, and no real plan beyond the next mile marker. Somewhere between the austere shimmer of Mono Lake and the weathered small towns, the trip stopped being a trip and started being something else. The desert has a way of doing that to you—pulling you into its silence until all the distractions fall away, leaving just the crunch of gravel underfoot and the distant call of a raven.

In the Eastern Sierra, the sunrises can almost be too much to handle. The sky lights up like it had been holding its breath all night, spilling gold and rose over the boulders in a way that made you feel like an intruder. I stood there with my camera, trying to keep up, knowing full well that no photograph could ever do it justice. That didn’t stop me from trying.

Further north, Lone Pine and Bishop felt like towns out of time, stubbornly clinging to their place in the world while the highway carried travelers past them. In Bishop, I stopped for food stayed for the kind of quiet you only find in places where the mountains feel close enough to lean against. The Owens River wound its way through the valley like it knew all the secrets, but wasn’t about to share them.

The real marvel of the 395, though, is how it doesn’t let you settle into one story. One moment, you’re in the shadow of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the Lower 48, and the next, you’re staring at a twisted bristlecone pine that’s been alive longer than you can comprehend. The road runs through alpine meadows, desert basins, and forgotten hot springs, each place asking for something different from you.

For me, it was the photographs that tied it all together. A way to hold onto something that refuses to be pinned down. The light shifted constantly, painting scenes that demanded to be captured and then changed the second you pressed the shutter. It’s the kind of road where you’re never done, where you leave knowing there are still images waiting for you just around the next curve.

Highway 395 isn’t just a route—it’s a reminder that the best stories aren’t always told in words. Sometimes they’re told in the play of shadows on a canyon wall, the glint of water under an endless sky, or the long, empty stretch of road ahead.

I came back with photographs, but what I really brought home was the feeling of the place—the way it gets into your bones and stays there. If you’re looking for more than a picture, if you’re chasing the kind of beauty that doesn’t try too hard, Highway 395 has it in spades.

Click HERE to check out my photography book on the American Road Trip and HERE to shop road trip prints of California 395. And contact me directly about editorial and commercial licensing options for these photographs - rob@robahmmerphotography.com

California 395 Photography Print

Black and white photography of California Highway 395

Photograph of the vintage signage along 395 in Independence, California

Vintage signs along the 395 in Independence, California

Photograph of the Still Life Cafe in Independence, CA

Still Life Cafe - Independence, CA

Photography of Lloyd's in Lone Pine, California with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background

Lloyd's - Lone Pine, CA

Photograph of a hotel in Lone Pine, Ca

Hotel - Lone Pine, Ca

California 395 Road Trip Photography

Photograph of the El Rancho Motel in Bishop, California

El Rancho Motel - Bishop, California

Sierra Nevada Mountains Road Trip Photo

Driving through the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mammoth, CA

Fine art photography of Highway 395 in Mono Lake, CA

Driving past Mono Lake - California

Photograph of the moon rising at dusk over Mono Lake in California

Fine art photograph of Mono Lake, CA

Fine art road trip photography

Driving on Highway 395 past Mono Lake towards Bridgeport, CA

Photograph of the bar at the Bridgeport Inn - California

Bar at the Bridgeport Inn

Photograph inside the Bridgeport Inn Hotel - California

Entrance to the Cowboy Rooms at the Bridgeport Inn - California

Neon sign of a motel in Bridgeport, California

Hotel - Bridgeport, CA

Photograph of Topaz Lake on the California/Nevada border

Sunrise over Topaz Lake in California

Old dive bar signs on highway 395 in California

Vintage dive bar signage

A rainbow over hills of sagebrush in the Eastern Sierra as seen from inside a truck during a Highway 395 Roadtrip

Highway 395 Roadtrip photo

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.

Photograph of a traditional barber in San Diego, CA

Johnny Lovato's Barbershop - Point Loma, CA

Old school barbershop in San Diego, CA

San Diego Barbershop

Photograph of a barber feeding his pet bird in San Diego, California

Johnny Lovato - Barber

Portrait of a San Diego barber

Portrait of a San Diego barber standing behind his chair

Photograph of a rotary telephone inside an old school barbershop

Rotary phone in a traditional barbershop

Photograph of a barber sitting in his chair

Photograph of an old school barber in San Diego, CA

Traditional barbershop in San Diego, CA

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

University Club - San Diego

University Club - San Diego, California

Recently had a great opportunity to present some of my cowboy photography to members at The University Club in San Diego, California. Sitting on the 34th floor of the Symphony Towers, the club has the best view in all of America’s Finest City! It was a pleasure just being up there, but even more so presenting work along a couple other photographs that I’m lucky to call friends - Nick Nacca and Gary Allard as well as APA San Diego. It was a great night all the way around. The three of us had fun presenting our work and everyone in attendance was very engaged during and after. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share!!

Go here to shop my fine art cowboy photography prints

Fine art photography at the University Club in San Diego

Photography presentation at The University Club in San Diego, California

Photograph of fine art photographers presenting work at The University Club in San Diego, California

Color photographs taken by Tim Hardy

Black and white photo taken by Rich Soublet

Paris Street Photography – Black & White Fine Art Prints for Collectors & Licensing

Paris Street Photographs — An Intimate Visual Journey

Paris in Candid Street Photographs

Paris moves quickly, but its most revealing moments happen quietly.

Away from the monuments and postcards, the city reveals itself in passing glances, small gestures, and the subtle choreography of people moving through shared space. These Paris street photographs were made while walking without an agenda — observing light, waiting for alignment, and responding instinctively when form, expression, and atmosphere briefly came together.

Rather than chasing iconic scenes, this body of work focuses on the in-between moments that define everyday Paris: café conversations, solitary figures crossing wide intersections, brief pauses along the Seine, and the unspoken language of posture and movement.

These photographs are not souvenirs. They are visual records of time and place, created to live on the wall as fine art prints.

What You’ll See in This Paris Street Photography Series

This ongoing collection reflects a broad, honest view of the city as it is lived:

  • Quiet exchanges at cafés and sidewalk tables

  • Figures moving alone through architectural space

  • Subtle interactions between strangers

  • Parisian streets shaped as much by people as by buildings

  • Moments of stillness within constant motion

Each image exists as both a documentary moment and a compositional study — balancing structure with spontaneity.

The Process Behind the Photographs

These images were made through patience rather than pursuit.

Street photography, at its core, is about observation — learning how light moves through a space, understanding how people occupy it, and waiting for those elements to align naturally. Many of these photographs came from standing in one place, or simply letting scenes unfold rather than forcing them.

The goal is not spectacle, but authenticity. Nothing staged. Nothing repeated. Each frame represents a singular moment that will never occur again in quite the same way.

Fine Art Prints of Paris Street Photography

All photographs in this series are available as museum-quality fine art prints, produced with longevity and tonal depth in mind.

  • Printed on archival, gallery-grade paper

  • Professional pigment inks for rich blacks and subtle midtones

  • Available in multiple sizes, including large-scale statement prints

  • Select images available as signed, limited editions

These prints are designed for collectors, interior spaces, and anyone who values photography as a lasting object rather than a disposable image.

Custom sizing, framing guidance, and edition details are available upon request.

Collecting Paris, One Moment at a Time

Street photography preserves what would otherwise disappear — a look exchanged, a pause mid-step, a moment of reflection before the city moves on.

If you’re drawn to Paris not as a destination, but as a living, breathing place shaped by human presence, these photographs offer a quieter way to bring the city into your space.

Explore the images below to view available fine art prints, or contact me directly to discuss editions, sizing, and framing options.

CONTACT ROB ABOUT PRINTS/LICENSING
Black and white photograph of a fashionable woman walking alone through a Paris intersection

A solitary figure moves through Paris, framed by architecture and empty space.

Black and white photograph of a bridge over the Seine beneath dramatic clouds

A quiet moment along the Seine as dark clouds gather over Paris.

Woman in a green coat holding a mustard yellow hat on a Paris sidewalk

A fleeting Paris moment—color, posture, and gesture captured without interruption.

Candid street portrait of people talking along the Seine in Paris

An unguarded exchange along the Seine, framed by the city’s familiar architecture.

Black and white photograph of a tender moment between two people on a Paris street

Photograph of a couple embracing on the street in Paris, France

Black and white photograph of café workers standing on a Paris street

Café workers pause between moments, grounded in posture and presence.

Paris rooftops leading toward Saint-Étienne-du-Mont under a cloudy sky

Paris rooftops unfold toward Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, capturing the layered geometry and muted tones of the city.

Two women seated at a café table in Paris, engaged in quiet conversation

Photograph of two women drinking at a cafe in Paris, France

People in fashionable clothing walking near Hôtel du Louvre on a Paris street

Pedestrians move through central Paris, where historic architecture meets modern pace and fashion

Woman in a polka dot dress partially obscured by pink flowers in Paris

Color and form intersect as a passerby blends into the visual rhythm of the street.

Black and white photograph of a woman walking past historic Paris architecture

Photograph of a well dressed woman walking in Paris, France

Black and white photograph of Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris under dramatic clouds

The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Woman carrying a large hat box crosses a Paris street in front of a neighborhood café, capturing a candid moment of everyday Paris life.

A woman carrying an oversized hat box moves through a café-lined crosswalk in Paris, a small, surreal detail that turns an ordinary street moment into something quietly cinematic.

Woman standing inside a Paris metro car near the Notre-Dame station

A fleeting pause inside the Paris metro, where movement and stillness briefly align.

Red bicycle locked to a street sign against textured Parisian walls in France

A red bicycle rests against a worn Paris wall, a quiet study of color, texture, and everyday city life.

Close-up of a folded umbrella and clothing details on a Paris street

A study of pattern and texture—small details that define everyday Paris.

Group of people sharing wine and cheese at an outdoor table in Paris

An afternoon unfolds around wine and cheese, capturing the social rhythm of everyday Paris.

Visitor viewing a painting inside a Paris museum, seen from behind

A quiet exchange between viewer and artwork inside a Paris museum (La Louvre)

Black and white photograph of classic Paris buildings along the Seine River

Shadow the Notre Dame Cathedral on buildings along the Siene River in Paris, France

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone - Olympics

Gold Medal - World Record - Hurdles

American Hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been putting on quite a show at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. If you saw her performance last night in the 400m race, then you know why people are calling her the GOAT! There wasn’t another runner even close to her at the finish line when she took home another Gold Medal and set a new world record! Making America proud!!

I shot these photographs of Sydney a few years back while she was training on the track in Los Angeles and they are available for commercial licensing, editorial licensing, and wall as fine art prints / wall art. Contact me directly to inquire rob@robhammerphotography.com

Portrait of Sydney McLaughlin Levrone

Photograph of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone training

Sydney McLaughlin Levrone smiling

Portrait of Olympic Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone training on a track

Basketball Hoop Photographs

Basketball Hoop Photography - Small Town America

Someone recently shared the Netflix trailer with me for Rez Ball - a movie about a basketball team on an America Indian Reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico. Which got me thinking about this fine art basketball photography series I’ve been shooting for the past 13+ years. After driving 300,000+ miles all over the USA, I can say there isn’t a pocket of this country where you won’t find the sport, but nothing is more dense with basketball hoops then Reservations across the American West!

It’s been a while since my last post of basketball hoop photographs despite the American Backcourts series continuing. So here are a few images made during recent road trips. If you’d like to see photographs of basketball hoops on Indian Reservations, click HERE to visit the main gallery for this project.

And click HERE to purchase fine art basketball hoop prints for your home, office, or commercial space.

Photograph of a basketball hoop in front of an old dilapidated  house in Upstate New York

Basketball hoop in front of a dilapidated house in Upstate New York

Photograph of a homemade wood basketball hoop and rim hanging on a telephone pole in Utah

Homemade basketball hoop on a telephone pole - Utah

Weeds growing through the cracks of an outdoor basketball court in Massachusetts

Fine art photograph of a basketball court on the Llano Estacado in Texas

Markings on an old barn where a basketball hoop once hung on a farm in West Virginia

Black and white photograph of a basketball rim hung on a tree stump with no backboard in Upstate New York

Photograph of an outdoor basketball court in a small Western Massachusetts town

Photograph of a basketball hoop on an old ranch in Colorado