Just because you didn’t get to go to that awesome photography conference doesn’t mean that you can’t learn something from the pros! Occasionally, we’ll be featuring a recommended photography lecture or interview on Phototuts+.

Jacob Riis worked in New York City in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was a Danish immigrant who worked as a crime reporter in his homeland. Once he finally landed a job in the U.S., he began exploring the slums and tenements of its biggest city. He then utilized a new photographic technology, flash powder, to create true documentary photographs in these environments.

You can see more of Riis' work in this New York Times photo gallery.