Photographers from around the world submitted their favorite photos of linemen hard at work for the 2021 Lineman Life photo contest. In response, the contest received a record number of votes--653 to be exact.
The photo, "On the Line," by Marco Calligaro of Riel Srl captured 67 percent of the votes. The winning image shows a lineman working on a 20,000 V line in Forni di Sopra (Udine) in Northern Italy on January 14, 2021.
"This is one of my favorite photos because the way the lineman is working on the line shows the symmetry with nature and really shows what a lineman must do during a job," says Erika Cella, marketing director for Riel SRL. "There are a lot of lineman pictures on towers or poles, but a lineman’s work is on the line."
Others commented that the photo was "stunning," and "captured the essence of the tough situations a lineman is faced with every day." Another said it was the "perfect connection between earth, nature and sky."
Coming in second place was "Smiling Behind a Mask" by Tabitha Weaver of Duquesne Light Company. Many of the respondents who voted for this photo said it showed the resilience of linemen and portrayed life in the line trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I like the visible mask," one voter commented. "It showcases how our lineworkers have adapted in 2020. Their work never stops and even in a global pandemic, they're working to keep our lights on while keeping themselves, our customers and each other safe."
The third-place finisher was "Montana Sunset" by JR Karo of Northwestern Energy. One respondent voted for this photo because it captured the beauty of Montana, and another selected it because it demonstrated how linemen work from sunrise to sunset.
Rounding out the top five were "Learning to Climb" and "Hot Sticking Until the Sun Goes Down."
Thank you to all the photographers who submitted photos for the competition, to everyone who voted for their favorite photo in the online poll and to Working Concepts, which is sponsoring this year's competition.
If you have a photo that you would like for us to consider for a future photo contest or our full-page Parting Shot department, email Field Editor Amy Fischbach. Thanks again for helping T&D World to put linemen in the well-deserving spotlight.
