Photographs are meant to preserve moments; moments perfect and frozen like this one. Now, what Hine captures here is quite self-explanatory: a group of construction workers sitting on a suspended steel beam hundreds of feet in the city. The photo itself holds these men, the beam, and the expanse of city disappearing into the background. However, the moment captured here holds so much more. It shows a sense of solidarity these men may have formed after working together. A companionship that allows them to eat, smoke, and laugh during this time of rest from their labor. Furthermore, while the photo itself is focused on the men, it is worth noting the buildings and cities below.

Another aspect captured in this moment is the risk that involves this kind of work. From what we can see in the photo, none of these men have harnesses of any sort despite being so high off the ground. However, despite this, the construction workers are still smiling and relaxed suspended in this moment. Perhaps this was Hine’s goal in taking and publishing this photograph: to share with the world and the future this exceptional moment in time he was fortunate enough to capture. Maybe he wanted to share this frozen frame of workers leisurely enjoying themselves as if they were oblivious to everything around them.