abstract staircase shadows (2025) Photograph by Daniel Fontaine

This access ramp led to a swimming pool located on the roof of my hotel in Madrid. While returning to my room after a twilight swim, I noticed the geometric potential of the space. After swapping my swimsuit for shorts and a T-shirt, I went back to take advantage of the structure. Since I didn’t have a tripod, I placed my camera on a table, which I shifted to achieve the right vantage point. Guests using the walkway seemed to wonder what on earth I could be photographing there.

This image presents an abstract, low-angle view of a metal railing and an overhead structure, dominated by deep blues and stark black. The railing, made of vertical bars and horizontal handrails, appears in the foreground, stark white against the dark background. Above, geometric shadows are cast by an unseen light source, creating a pattern of diagonal lines and solid shapes across a curved surface. The overall mood is enigmatic and stark, with a strong emphasis on form, line, and the interplay of light and shadow in an urban setting.

Printed on 100% cotton paper—free of acid and optical brighteners (Fine Art print on Red River Palo Duro Softgloss Rag 315 gsm paper) using Epson pigment inks. The paper measures 25 in x 17 in, and the image measures 23.4 in x 13.2 in. Consequently, the image is surrounded by a margin.

Materials used:

Printed on 100% cotton paper—free of acid and optical brighteners (Fine Art print)—using pigment-based inks

Details:

• Photograph on Paper
• From a limited edition of 25
• Size: 25 x 17 x 0.07" (unframed) / 23.4 x 13.2" (actual image size)
• Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity
• Style: Geometric
• Subject: Abstract and non-figurative