Now 96 years old, Milton Rogovin has spent the majority of his life capturing the character of people he called “”the forgotten ones.””

As a self-acclaimed social documentary photographer, Rogovin’s work speaks of the humanity of working people, especially the poor.

Rogovin’s collections can be found at prestigious institutions such as the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

But you don’t have to plan a road trip to experience Rogovin’s work, because the UA’s Center for Creative Photography has Rogovin’s photos on display until Sunday. And for all you students on a budget, the exhibition is free of charge.

According to Doug Nickel, director of the CCP, Rogovin was blacklisted as a communist in the 1950s, but he used this misfortune to launch a brilliant 40-year career in photography that championed workers and the disadvantaged with pictures.

“”Rogovin is an example of someone who turned adversity into opportunity,”” Nickel said.

Many noted scholars have sparked interest in Rogovin’s photography, including Melanie Herzog, a professor of art history and director of women’s and gender studies at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis. Herzog is the leading author for the book “”Milton Rogovin: The Making of a Social Documentary Photographer.””

Herzog will be leading a free lecture on Rogovin’s work tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the CCP auditorium.

Robin Southern, a representative for the CCP, said she feels that Rogovin’s photographs are powerful because of the meaning behind the images.

“”This is a very personal show, and you’ll be able to connect with the photos regardless if you are a photography student or not,”” Southern said.

In addition to tonight’s lecture, the CCP will also host a film screening about Rogovin’s life and work tomorrow. Ezra Bookstein, an Emmy winning filmmaker, will present and discuss his 2006 documentary film, “”Milton Rogovin: The Rich Have Their Own Photographers.””

The film screening will take place in the CCP auditorium at 5:30 p.m. and is also free of charge.

“”Each in their own way, Melanie Herzog and Ezra Bookstein honor this remarkable careerÿwith a new book, a film and two public talks at the center,”” Nickel said. “”They tell the story of Rogovin and his struggle for social justice in the U.S. better than anyone.””