Rob Hornstra is a Dutch photographer and self-publisher of documentary work, particularly of areas of the former Soviet Union. Despite the fascinating subjects in Rob’s photography, his work additionally gives a little insight into the man behind the lens, particularly in his latest book, Man Next Door.  Captured sensitively, the focus of Rob’s portraits in Man Next Door is, as the title suggests, his next-door neighbour, Kid. The pair interacted as most neighbours tend to, “he regularly swept our shared porch, put out rubbish and kept an eye on things when I was away,” says Rob. The photographer also returned the polite favour, extending a hand when Kid needed it. “As Kid couldn’t read well, I helped him with his post. He borrowed my phone whenever he didn’t have any credit on his own. Sometimes I wouldn’t see him for a while because he was serving a prison sentence for some minor misdemeanour.” Through these polite interactions Kid and Rob’s friendship developed as the photographer learned about his turbulent life. “He was banned from seeing his son and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. In the last year of his life, he spent more and more time with drifters and junkies, begging on the street for change.” In turn, the series documents Kid’s life through personality-filled portraiture, photographs of his home, belongings, their shared surrounding neighbourhood and archived images. Designed as both a publication and a scrolling timeline on Rob’s website, the photographs categorise his time spent with Kid from 2007 until his unfortunate passing in 2013. While some of Rob’s photographs are difficult to look at upon learning the full story of Kid’s unsettled life, being shocking never appears to be the aim. Instead, the subtle hints at someone unstable make you think about how easily life can spiral downwards from one  misunderstanding or mistake. As a result, Man Next Door not only shares the importance on checking in on your neighbours or those in need of help but also “examines the stigmatisation of the working class while offering a rare insight into the life of a working-class Utrecht boy,” Rob explains. “What emerges is a bewildering picture of Kid’s many personalities, inevitably racing the question: how well do you know the person who lives next door?”

I enjoy the close-up shot used here, as I feel this makes the image more direct and personal, this is especially effective as a front cover. The camera angle used in this photo is very front on, depth of field is also used to isolate Kid's facial features and allow him to be a focus point. This depth field also allows viewers to focus on interesting parts of Kid's face such as; the expression shown in his face, his messy facial hair, his missing and crooked teeth, this creates intrigue to Kid and who he is. 

I like this front on image on knife's displayed in a corner, a little dark shadow is created in the lower corner, this suggests mystery and the unknown. The lighting in this is quite balanced, the sliver on the knife blades are reflective, which draws attention to them. This photograph adds more detail to Kid's story, as it suggests danger and maybe adds to the criminal personality Kid holds.

This image is at a slightly lower camera angle, this connotes dominance and power. Kid's stance with his arms positioned outwards with his thumbs in his pockets suggests Kid's proud and big ego. The grind on his face in this image suggests Kid's playful and cheeky personality. The tattoo's shown on Kid's body creates this bad boy persona that he may behold.

The room shown off in this image has a lot more clutter in than the other images which portrays Kid's personality off more so. The hands pinned hung up around the door frame suggests more about Kid's interests. The images shown on the fireplace suggest his childhood and perhaps how he was brought up. The warm light in the background suggests a home feel to Kid's house. Kid playing and happily interacting with the snake suggest his dangerous and careless personality. The recurring colour of red in this photo goes on to connote this danger as mentioned before. 

This image portrays Kid's importance, as he is displayed in the middle of the two men either side. His arms are placed over both of the other mens shoulders and back suggests he is friendly and comfortable with these men.

This image interests me as this tension and shock is built up due to the predator eyeing it's prey. The dark blanket seen in this photograph connotes darkness and evil. The poorly kept wall shown in the back of this picture suggests this run down feel of the environment and the series of images.

This image adds depth to this series of images as it tells us more Kid. The teddies and toys in the corner suggest this childish and playful personality. The overall blue tone in the room connotes clinicalness and distress. The bed is very thin and almost like a prison bed this creates an eerie effect.