Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment is a feeling that many people seek out. This feeling was most remarkable for essential workers, specifically in the food industry. The long hours, sweaty environments, the controversial pay; most will be right with these statements. But not all will fully understand what it will be like unless they work in this industry. I work in this industry to support my creative pursuit of becoming a photographer. In the last four years of working at restaurants, I have encountered many different people working at these places. Various backgrounds, personalities, and personal goals comprise an entire team that drives the restaurant.

 

I drew inspiration from the historical American Photographer Lewis Hine, whose photographs were most famous for his portraiture of children working in unsafe industrial environments. These images shouldn't portray the restaurant negatively but rather represent an understanding through the eyes of the employees. I want the viewers to recognize the employees and see their work environments as they are. No matter how busy or stressful, they pull through every shift. For the individuals in these images, I wish to portray them in the best way I can and show them appreciation and acknowledgment for the profession they chose to work in the restaurant industry.