Photographs freeze a moment in time--whether it's an aspiring lineman climbing a pole for the first time or a crew hot-sticking until the sun goes down.
Oftentimes, linemen work long hours in severe weather conditions out of the spotlight, but through our annual Lineman Life Photography Contest, we are celebrating these first responders and front-line heroes with the recognition they deserve.
After we announced a call for entries on our Web site and in social media, we received photos of linemen at work around the globe--including Budapest, Hungary; Northern Ireland; Canada; and Italy. Utilities and contractors from coast to coast also submitted their favorite and most memorable photos celebrating the line trade.
This photo gallery not only showcases linemen in the field, but it also gives the personal story behind each photo, whether it's a bucket truck stuck in the mud after a storm or a lineman smiling behind a mask after a long and satisfying work day.
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year's photography contest. After viewing the finalists, please vote for your favorite image in our online poll. The top three winners and three of the participants in the online poll will receive an ErgoKneel knee pad from Working Concepts Inc. The photographer with the most votes will also receive a Lineman Life Celebration Week T-shirt and have his or her photo published in the Parting Shot department of T&D World magazine.
If you have a photo that you would like for us to consider for a future photo contest or the Parting Shot department, please email it to Field Editor Amy Fischbach.