This page is the front door to the major bodies of work in my photography. Some of these images are architectural and disciplined. Some are atmospheric, interpretive, or rooted in landscape and water. Some have been exhibited, collected, or developed as historically grounded bodies of work. All of them reflect the same underlying standard: photographs made and presented with care, shaped by a long visual education and a commitment to lasting print quality.
You will find work here suited to different kinds of spaces and different kinds of collectors, from bold black and white architectural statements to quieter, more atmospheric images, and from historically grounded bodies of work to more interpretive photographs. Whether you are looking for a single strong piece or exploring the range of the portfolio, these collections are meant to help you enter the work in a more focused way.
If you are looking for something beyond these six entry points, the broader portfolio is available through the main navigation. There you will find additional galleries organized by place, subject, and series, including bodies of work that are more regional, more specialized, or simply outside the main structure presented here.
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Great news! I have a new art gallery site! To celebrate, I'm giving away an 12x18 inch Metal Print of my Roman Forum in the Evening 2018 (worth $149)! To enter, fill in your email address below. Giveaway ends on September 12, 2023.
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Want to see more of my art?
Free Art Mockup Service | See John M. Cerra Photography in Your Space
Put Me to Work: Your Space, My Art—Let’s Find the Perfect Fit
Ever wonder how a piece of art would actually look in your space? I’m inviting you to put me to work—no strings attached. Just send me a photo of the wall or room you’d like to transform, and tell me a bit about the effect you’re after. Whether it’s a cozy den, a lively family room, a business lobby, or a boardroom, I’ll create a custom mockup using one of my photographs—either your favorite or one I recommend for your setting.
This service is completely free, with no obligation to buy. In return, you’ll join my email and blog community, where I share new work, stories, and exclusive offers. As a thank you, you’ll receive at least 20% off your first purchase—or more if there’s a better sale running. I welcome every inquiry, even if you’re just curious—your feedback helps me grow as an artist.
Ready to see what’s possible? Fill out the form below to join my list, then email your photo to john@johnmcerraphotography.com with “Free Mockup Offer” in the subject line. Let’s make your space feel more like you.
Operation Sail 1976 was a centerpiece event of the United States Bicentennial, bringing more than 200 sailing vessels from around the world into New York Harbor on July 4, 1976. As tall ships from dozens of nations passed Lower Manhattan, the harbor became the site of one of the largest international maritime gatherings in its history.
These photographs were made by John M. Cerra from the 26th floor of One World Trade Center, offering a rare elevated perspective on the event. Captured on 35mm film and restored nearly fifty years later, the collection combines sweeping harbor views with more focused portraits of individual vessels, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle and other historic ships from the international fleet.
Together, the images preserve a visual record of Operation Sail 1976 as both maritime spectacle and New York story, where tall ships, private boats, Ellis Island, and the World Trade Center came together in a single day of scale, ceremony, and shared celebration.
