Lewis Hine (1874–1940) was an American photographer and social reformer whose images transformed documentary photography into a powerful art form. Known for his work with child labor and immigrant communities, Hine combined careful composition, dramatic use of light, and a keen eye for human dignity, producing photographs with the precision and formal elegance of fine etchings. His portraits and social studies turn everyday scenes into enduring visual statements, emphasizing line, form, and narrative clarity.