He was photographing the area where he lived, so there was a familiarity with the subject matter. As well his major body of work was done when hardship was the norm... a feeling which he captured and which resonated with the public at that time - and still does.
What is interesting is that he only photographed for a period of about 10 short years... and developed his own [wet] printing style with heavy dodging and burning.
Thanks for the observation...
Casey