Lewis Wickes Hine
- Born:
- September 26, 1874, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
- Died:
- November 3, 1940, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Sociologist, Photographer, Photojournalist
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Oshkosh State Normal School (now University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh).
- Studied at the University of Chicago and Columbia University.
- Taught at the Ethical Culture School in New York City.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began documenting immigration on Ellis Island around 1905.
- Documented child labor in American industry from 1908 to 1917 for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC).
- His photographs played a significant role in changing public opinion and leading to child labor laws.
- Worked for the American Red Cross in Europe during World War I.
- Documented the construction of the Empire State Building in 1930-1931.
Notable Works
- Photographs of immigrants at Ellis Island.
- Photographs documenting child labor, including images of children working in textile mills, coal mines, and canneries. Many of these photos capture the spirit of resilience, even in tough conditions, leading to evocative reactions to scenes like lewis hine photography kids laughing, despite the overall serious nature of his work.
- Series on the construction of the Empire State Building, showcasing the workers' skills and contributions.
Legacy and Impact
Lewis Hine's work significantly impacted social reform, particularly in the area of child labor. His powerful photographs raised awareness and fueled the movement for stricter labor laws and better conditions for children. He is remembered as a pioneering documentary photographer and social reformer.