Retiree, Atlas Steel Casting (Working People series) 1978

"Retiree, Atlas Steel Casting (Working People series)" is a 1978 black and white photograph by Milton Rogovin, who is known for documenting the lives of working-class Americans. This image is a poignant portrait of a steelworker, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. The worker, wearing a welding mask, is seated, highlighting the physical toll of labor on the body. Rogovin’s use of natural light and stark contrasts creates a sense of realism, emphasizing the subject’s resilience and dignity in the face of a challenging environment. This photograph is part of a series that Rogovin created from 1977 to 1982, focusing on the lives and experiences of working people in Buffalo, New York.