Steel Beam Crew at Dawn in North Macedonia

Thick white mist rests on the muddy access road, softening the edges of a wide construction site in North Macedonia. At the turn of seasons, damp earth absorbs the gray dawn light, turning the ground into a slick, uneven surface. Four workers in high-visibility vests and heavy jackets stand around a massive steel beam connection. Their hands grip long spud wrenches, poised against the cold metal. The steel girders rise vertically, their gray surfaces reflecting the overcast sky. Mist drifts between the beams, partially obscuring the background trees and hills. The workers lean into their task, their boots sinking slightly into the wet soil. A faint orange glow from a safety vest contrasts with the cool blue tones of the steel and fog. at the edge is a drop of condensation hanging from the edge of a bolt, catching the dim light.