Intent

Behind the frame

What I was trying to do:

I visited the busy tourist area alongside the Opera house in Sydney during my lunch break. I wanted to place myself somewhere busy so I could attempt to build layers. Most people who buy food here are given a mesh cover to prevent the seagulls from stealing it. However, these two didn't, so as soon as they brought out food a flock of seagulls began to attack. This created a chaotic scene but gave me lots of layers to play with in an attempt to fill the frame.

What worked:

It was quite chaotic but I moved around the scene trying to get the two with their food, a few others that were trying to take photos, and the children who seemed to want to catch the birds, as well as the birds themselves. I put myself on an angle to try and get depth, and wanted the city skyline in the background. As you look deeper into the scene you spot more seagulls. I also liked that in this shot the two with the food look like they are unaware of what's happening around them. I think this contrast of reactions is somewhat funny.

What I'd do differently:

I would have liked a slighter wide lens, or to have backed up a bit to get more of the birds in. The children were running around chasing the birds and missed some good opportunities to get them trying to catch the birds too.

Shoutout

Anthony Stonehouse's first shoutout, picked out by the editors in #39 Fill The Frame.

Response

Community feedback