2009 – 2011

A frozen moment amid the relentless rush of the average worker’s life. In this series that was developed over 10 years, I capture the tired but tireless spirit of the working-class people who make our society run. Whether framed by glamorous celebrities on glossy magazines or a storefront window, this series transforms the most unseen people into the center of focus.

The photos in this collection were taken over three years and edited four different times over ten years to finally culminate in the finished series. The time it took to develop this collection is central to its themes. Daunted by the challenge of making a career out of photography, I shot photos that explored the professions and challenges of everyday people as I contemplated my own path forward. I ultimately took a 10-year hiatus from photography, turned away by the fear of not making it professionally. The hard-working subjects in my photos stem from my curiosity about the secret struggles every life harbors.

I take only unstaged, spontaneous photos. By catching a person off-guard, their natural expression and the truth of a scene are preserved. I seek a moment of vulnerability to contrast against a media landscape where each individual perfectly curates themselves for social media.

Themes like the working class, American culture, and the cyclical nature of our days and lives are woven throughout this series. Each photo offers a chance to connect with the working-class people who quietly contribute to the comforts, convenience, and infrastructure we all rely upon.