AP Photographer Captures the Grueling Life of a Miner in Striking Portrait

Petr David Josek's photograph reveals the harsh realities faced by miners in the Czech Republic's CSM coal mine.

AP photographer Petr David Josek has been with the Associated Press since 2002, covering major global events including wars and sports.
The photo was taken in the dark, dusty shafts of the CSM coal mine in Stonava, Czech Republic, using minimal equipment for protection.
Josek was drawn to the miner's unique physique and strong posture, capturing several frames as the miner worked.
The chosen portrait highlights the miner's facial expression and the dirt on his body, symbolizing the difficulty of the job.
The absence of visible eyes in the portrait adds an element of mystery, enhancing the photo's emotional impact.