Finding Inspiration in Isolation
During the Covid lockdown in 2021, Spanish photographer Dominic Dähncke discovered unexpected inspiration in a simple broom and a nail on the rooftop of his home in El Médano, Tenerife. Confined indoors, he spent time walking around the communal terrace, which housed laundry rooms and cleaning supplies, appreciating the fresh air and the small details around him.
“Telekinesis,” says Dominic Dähncke, when asked how this errant broom is standing upright.
One morning, he noticed that a broom he had absent-mindedly propped against a nail stuck in the wall remained balanced at a 45-degree angle. The nail, which he admits he did not place himself, became the key to capturing this intriguing image. Over several days, Dähncke returned to the rooftop, patiently waiting for the shadow cast by the small ceiling above to align perfectly before taking the photograph with his phone.
Reevaluating Photography Perspectives
Dähncke challenges common perceptions about where meaningful photography can be found. He reflects on the widespread belief that street photography requires travel to iconic cities like New York, London, or Paris. While acknowledging that certain subjects, such as giraffes, may be inaccessible depending on location, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity and attentiveness to one's immediate surroundings.
“Someone has sold us the idea that if you like street photography, for example, you have to travel to New York, London or Paris,” Dähncke says. “Now, obviously, if you’re a fan of photographing giraffes and you live in Tokyo, you’re screwed. But I think there’s a middle ground where we often lose ourselves, and the photo we want to take is closer than we think, often just around the corner. It is our responsibility to cultivate a curious gaze like that of a child, the sense of wonder of a tourist visiting our city or town.
Appreciating the Simple Things
The experience during the pandemic led Dähncke to value the small, often overlooked aspects of daily life, such as the space and air on his rooftop. This photo serves as a reminder of those lessons, especially as life gradually returns to normal and the simplicity of such moments can be easily forgotten.
“During that time, I learned to appreciate the little things, like the space and air on my roof. After the pandemic, I tend to forget I don’t need much,” Dähncke adds. “This photo reminds me of that.”
