UAW Strike for The New York Times | Toledo, Ohio
A United Auto Workers union picketer hoists a sign into the air during the strike outside of the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
Lessons from the First Day of the UAW Strike
Driving from South Bend, Indiana, to Toledo, Ohio, in the early hours of September 15, I knew I would have to work quickly to utilize the early morning light. The image below, which received quite a bit of play on The New York Times website and Instagram, was made about five minutes after I got out of my car and four minutes after my first photo of the day.
At the facility, picketers were lined up around the site’s gates. The majority of the day was spent circling the perimeter and approaching various groups of union members. Even as the activity remained somewhat similar throughout the day, I was working to create images that highlighted the actions of the picketers but also demonstrated how I was seeing the event.
As an editorial photographer, I find that these images are often the ones that are utilized later on by an outlet. For example, the image at the top of this post ran in an Op-Ed that the Times published.
As more of my photography continues to skew into the commercial space, I find it rejuvenating to work as a photojournalist on prominent stories. There is something about the problem-solving that comes with making evocative images in real time with real people. After years of experience in daily news, I find that the metaphorical rust is shaken off quickly as I begin any assignment.
After the assignment
After every editorial assignment, I reflect on the importance of timing and quality of light in my photography. For example, the image that ran on The New York Times website is compelling for a few reasons:
The layering and spacing of the individuals
The mask on the key individual at the center of the image
The time of day/quality of light
This image isn’t made if I don’t get up at 4:00 a.m. and haul to Toledo. This image isn’t made if I am not prepped and ready to photograph right as I exit the car. This image isn’t made if I don’t follow my instincts and stop my car in front of this group of picketers. So many aspects have to be aligned to create an evocative image as a photojournalist, but it is so rewarding when it all comes together.
United Auto Workers strike outside the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
Members of the United Auto Workers union strike outside of the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
United Auto Workers strike outside of the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
The shadows of picketers from the United Auto Workers union are cast onto Stickney Ave. in Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
