The preliminary development of social documentary photography can be traced in the early issues of "Charities," a journal established in 1897 by the New York Charity Organization Society. During the journal's earliest years, 1897 to 1902, photography was already associated with social work in the minds of the public; but…

This article focuses on some contributors to the journal, "The Seven Arts." These essayists and photographers were able to rise above the cultural and political thought of their times to become social critics. They opposed war and welcomed new immigrants to the United States at times when these views were unpopular. (VM)