Lewis Hine was a prominent American sociologist and photographer who used his photography to bring attention to social ills and work towards social reform. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1874, Hine’s father’s death forced him to help sustain his family financially at a young age. He went on to study sociology at the University of Chicago and taught at the School of Ethical Culture.
Hine’s photographs were instrumental in changing child labor laws in the United States. He traveled around the country documenting working conditions for children and depicting his subjects with dignity and compassion. His work has been cited as a precursor to modernist and documentary photography.
In addition to his advocacy work, Hine is also known for his unique eye for detail and composition in his photography. His work remains influential today, not only for its role in changing legislation but also as an early example of using images to draw attention to pressing societal issues.