Untitled 1911

This photograph was taken by Lewis Hine, who used his camera as an instrument for social reform. Hine documented the plight of child laborers in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. At the time, many children, often from poor or immigrant families, worked long hours in dangerous conditions in factories and mines. With his photographs, Hine exposed these harsh realities, aiming to ignite public outrage and push for legislative change. The photo shows a young boy, perhaps no older than ten, standing in what appears to be a work yard. His clothes are worn, and his expression, though seemingly calm, hints at a weariness beyond his years. "If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug a camera," Hine once said. By focusing on individual stories, Hine’s work invites us to reflect on labor, class, and the loss of innocence. This image serves as a poignant reminder of a time when childhood was often sacrificed for economic survival.