Rows of stones, the Listertalsperre dam by Arjan Warmerdam

This impressive dam is situated on the shores of the Biggesee, near Olpe in the German Sauerland. At first glance, it appears to be primarily a functional structure, but its shape, location and choice of materials also make it surprisingly photogenic.

What particularly appealed to me in this photograph is the dam’s pronounced curved line. From the foreground, your gaze is naturally drawn along the rough stone wall towards the centre of the frame. There, the small round structure stands atop the dam, almost like a landmark. Its light colour contrasts beautifully with the dark masonry and the green of the wooded hills behind it.

On the left, the calm water lends a completely different character. The smooth surface acts as a counterpoint to the heavy, massive structure of stone and concrete. It is precisely this contrast that makes this spot so interesting: nature and technology literally lie side by side here.

The weather conditions also played their part. The dark clouds lend the photograph a sense of tension and complement the structure’s robust character well. At the same time, there are still plenty of light areas across the landscape and the dam to maintain depth in the image.

I deliberately chose a vantage point that keeps the stone wall on the right prominently in the frame. This gives the photograph extra depth and creates the feeling that you yourself are standing alongside the dam, looking towards the other side. The wall almost acts as a second line that draws you into the image. A place you could easily drive past, but where architecture, landscape and water come together to form a remarkable scene.