Doris McKinney, Republic Steel (Working People series) 1978

"Doris McKinney, Republic Steel (Working People series)" is a black and white photograph by Milton Rogovin, taken in 1978. The image captures a worker at the Republic Steel plant in Buffalo, New York, using a torch to cut metal. The smoke and sparks from the torch illuminate the scene, while the worker’s figure is partially obscured by the smoke, emphasizing the harsh conditions of industrial labor. Rogovin's "Working People series" is a collection of photographs documenting the lives and working conditions of blue-collar workers in Buffalo, New York, and this image exemplifies his commitment to social realism. The photograph is a powerful commentary on the dignity of labor and the challenges faced by working-class Americans.