A Favorite Photographer

Rockefeller Center, 1930

Lewis Hine gained renown in the first half of the twentieth century, largely for his work documenting the working class in America. His images often gave prominence to elements of modern technology, but never at the expense of the people who made the technology viable (either because the operated the machinery, or benefited from its operation in some way).

Girl worker in Carolina cotton mill, 1908 © The Estate of Lewis Hine

There's a basic level of poignancy in Hine's work, built on empathy for those whose labor was the basic fuel of the modern age, even though that was not always acknowledged. Hine's work continued the progressive project of an earlier generation of muckrakers (especially his photographic forebear Jacob Riis), just as he no doubt inspired the group of photographers associated with the FSA under the New Deal (even as he remained active during that period).

Power house mechanic working on steam pump, 1920

In addition to his commitment to realism and social commentary, Hine's photos exhibited the highest aesthetic standards, with just stunning compositions and amazing balance of light and shadow. The man was a true artist.