LIFE’S WORK. A Fifty Year Photographic Chronicle of Working in the U.S.A

Please join us as we welcome Earl Dotter, an occupational photojournalist whose career is dedicated to putting a human face on those who labor, often in dangerous and environmentally unhealthy conditions. His work follows in the steps of the famous social documentarians Jacob Riis and Lewis Hine and his commitment to documenting workers’ stories has made him the American workers’ “Poet Laureate.”

Earl’s photographic journey began in 1968 while attending the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  It was here that he picked up his first camera, a Pentax H3v. Dotter states, “A camera and 50-millimeter lens forced me to connect in a very personal way with my subjects.  It became a kind of therapy and a way for a very shy kid to engage with others, make a connection with the people I was photographing and communicate an idea or a theme.”  Shortly after graduating, Earl went to East Tennessee with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) where he helped miners and their families.  He continued to remain in the area, first photographing the movement to reform the United Mine Workers Union and later working for the UMWA Journal with its emphasis on safety. Earl used his camera to record the intimate details of the miner’s daily life – the dangers as well as the joys, dignity and culture that sustained coal mining families.  Lessons learned then continue to guide him today.

Years spent working in East Tennessee and the Appalachian coal mining region set the stage for Earl’s life’s work as he went on to seek out a wide array of occupational subjects while remaining true to his objective of personalizing the workers’ lives on the job, at home and in the community. Some of his subjects include the commercial fishing industry, first responders at Ground Zero, Native American and Canadian First Nation Tribes, migrant farm workers in Maine, Maryland’s eastern shore immigrants, and the series “Badges: a Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers.” His images have helped raise awareness about workplace dangers.

Earl’s fifty year career culminates in his latest book, A LIFE’S WORK, A Fifty Year Photographic Chronicle of Working in the U.S.A. Speaking about the social issues and the stories behind his compelling images, Earl will also discuss his approach, both on the technical side as well as how he relates to his subjects. Signed copies of his LIFE’S WORK will also be available for purchase. The price is $69 and payment can be made via cash or check. A PayPal invoice for a credit card payment can also be arranged with a business card email address. In addition, you can view his numerous accomplishments, awards, portfolio and past exhibits on his web site www.earldotter.com.