Two Scarlet Silences

About this piece

Two brightly lit flamingos rise from the lower edge of the frame, their orange plumage set against deep black space. An upright neck on the left and a sweeping curve on the right create contrasting lines, while birds in shadow lend the composition depth.

The story

I was drawn to the space between the two birds as much as to their color. One held its neck almost straight; the other bent into a long, easy curve, looking away. Behind them, the flock softened into shadow. Through the viewfinder, I let that darkness occupy most of the frame. It gave each small detail—the pale eye, the black bill, the overlapping feathers—room to hold my attention.