Labor condition advancements have occurred alongside technological developments, and the two have intersected at multiple moments in American history. This paper examines workplace photography - through the lens of the worker and the employer - through four eras: the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s and 70s, and the Tech Boom between 2000 and 2020. Through examining the differences in how labor advocates and employers portray workers, it becomes clear that photography is a powerful tool in workplace unionization efforts and that whoever is holding the camera matters a great deal in the narratives that are pushed.

A note from Beatrice: Emily Lutenski has been an incomparable force in this production process. Emily has supplied me with numerous resources, consistent thoughtfulness, and a general regard for my humanity during this course (as well as my time at SLU). Emily handles the ASTD Capstone course with great aplomb and nuance, and encourages everyone to do the same. I am deeply grateful for Emily, her patience, her thoughtfulness, her students, and her dedication to the department.