Laying-on of Hands (Storefront Churches series) 1958 - 1960

"Laying-on of Hands (Storefront Churches series)" (1958-1960) by Milton Rogovin is a striking black and white photograph capturing a moment of intense emotion within a storefront church. Rogovin, known for his social documentary work, used his camera to document the lives of working-class African Americans in Buffalo, New York, and this photograph is a testament to the power of faith and community. The composition, with the figures clustered together and the hands reaching towards the heavens, creates a sense of intimacy and spiritual fervor. The harsh lighting and dramatic contrast add to the intensity of the scene. The photograph is part of Rogovin's "Storefront Churches" series, which explored the role of these spaces in the lives of the community.