I have only understood “work” to mean going to an office. This is an exercise in exploring what “work” means through the medium of photography. It also became a meditation on the deeper meaning of work.
I wandered with an open mind skeptical of finding work, but to my surprise, once I started looking for work I found it happening all around me. I obtained verbal permission from the people in these pictures and experimented with different angles, shutter speeds, and apertures.
Why do we work? Do we work for money? Do we work because it is expected of us? Do we choose the work we do or does it choose us? What if we are not happy with our work? Is work necessary?
Work as Service
Shutter speed: 1/500sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
We walk everywhere. We step in all kinds of things. Our footwear protects us. And we don’t spare it a thought.
When it comes to cleaning and repairing our shoes this gentleman picks them up and fixes them with a smile for a pittance.
Multitasking
Shutter speed: 1/200sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
What do you do while waiting for clients at a flower stall?
This lady chooses to invest her time knitting.
Physical Work
Shutter speed: 1/1250sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
We work out to look good and stay fit. Some people work out for a living.
Physics at Work
Shutter speed: 1/4000sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
Work is energy transfer or motion due to an external force. Meet heating water via combustion and filling water using gravity.
Pollution at Work
Shutter speed: 1/80sec
Aperture: f/3.2 30mm
ISO: 100
Work has side effects. In this case, the cheapest option for heat is an open fire but the resulting pollution harms the family and the environment.
Who is working here?
Shutter speed: 1/1250sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
Is it the cow? Is it the man?
… or is it the photographer?
The Best Kind of Work
Shutter speed: 1/50sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
Counting money! Too bad it’s not his.
Work from Home
Shutter speed: 1/80sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
The biggest tragedy is that this is not recognized or acknowledged as work.
Animal Farm
Shutter speed: 1/50sec
Aperture: f/1.4 30mm
ISO: 100
The pigs are in charge while the other animals are working.