During World War II, war photography was far less common than photojournalism today. Nonetheless, for the sake of both propaganda and documentation, there were photographs taken that give today's viewers an immediate sense of the war effort in America.
'Railroad Women' is a war photography series that was captured by Office of War Information photographer Jack Delano in April, 1943. The women in the series were actual workers for the Chicago & North Western Railroad roundhouse in Clinton, Iowa. Though perhaps initially designed as part of the propaganda effort, the series seems more firmly grounded in the realities of war and work; far from glamorous, the women are tough, strong, and serious.
Modern viewers can draw a parallel between the railroad women in this series and the difficulties that face women in today's workplace.
Colorized War Photography
The 'Railroad Women' Series Shows Women Contributing to the War Effort
Trend Themes
1. War Photography Documentation - Capturing war effort through photography to serve as historic documentation of significant moments during a conflict.
2. Empowering Women Workers - Empowering women's role in various industries and highlighting their contribution to a nation's progress.
3. Photojournalism Evolution - Evolution in photojournalism processes and techniques as illustrated by the changing style, techniques and goals of war photography over time.
Industry Implications
1. Media & Journalism - Opportunities for the media to transform the way conflicts are documented, analyzed and communicated using new technology.
2. Transportation & Logistics - Leveraging women's contribution in the transportation industry and providing equal opportunities for men and women.
3. Art & Photography - Incorporating new techniques and equipment in photography and exploring new transformative ways of story telling.