During the 1970s, photographer Willem Diepraam had a big influence on Dutch photo journalism, particary through his work for Vrij Nederland, with his his penetrating, lage-grained photos that sometimes featured strongly imprinted skies. Diepraam belongs to a generation of post-war European photographers that was capable of connect commissioned work with personal engagement. His powerful manner of portraying his subjects meant that the photos accompanying the articles went beyond simple illustration and had an expressive power of their own.