Eric at work in Rio de Janeiro
Photo: Gijs Bosman

Eric Kampherbeek (Enschede, 1979) is an autonomous documentary photographer with a firm developed interest in people on the edge of society. Through his camera, he sets out to make contact with people who, at a certain moment in their life, collide with our achievement oriented, highly regulated society.

Eric Kampherbeek seeks to get close to people who aren't easily approached. This requires preparation, slowly making contact, and, for the short duration of sheer moments, building a bond in order to get close and make his stills in an almost invisible way.

Eric Kampherbeek's work lacks unnecessary esthetics, that would only distract from the stories that contain enough value and information in themselves. The results are raw images that appeal to the emotions and associative skills of his public. Sometimes confronting, sometimes contemplating.

Text: Jeroen Stam