Point, Click, Shoot: Lewis Hine’s Photographs Create a Turning Point for Child Labor
Thesis
During the early 20th century, Lewis Hine used his camera to capture photographs of child labor nationwide. By providing visual evidence regarding the harsh realities faced by child laborers, Hine increased awareness and advocacy for change. This created a turning point for the rights of children in the workplace and society by prompting legislative action, and inspired others to use photography for change.
Top left to right: "Tenement Child" (Hine, BBC, C. 1908), "A typical spinner Mamie Lancaster Cotton Mills, S.C." (Hine, Library of Congress, December 1908), "Young Boy Coal Miner" (Hine, Lewis, University of Minnesota, 1909)
Middle left to right: "Lewis Wickes Hine" (Legends of America, N.d.), "Lewis Hine with Camera" (Art Blart, N.d.)
Bottom left to right: "One of the spinners in Whitnel Cotton" (Hine, The San Francisco Chronicles, December 1908), "Baby Doffer" (Hine, Library of Congress, November 1910), "A little spinner in Globe Cotton Mill" (Hine, Library of Congress, January 1909)