In Papaya Dog, 14th Street and 1st Avenue by Suzanne Stein, she captured 6 men outside a food vendor with 2 sitting in a foldable chair to the left, two topless men in jeans in the middle right, and 2 men entering the frame on the right side. The intention of Stein could have been to capture the lives of New Yorkers going on about their day. Stein could have also captured the image of these 6 men to show diversity amongst the New York City population. The mood of the photograph is very energetic thanks to the smiling expression of the two men who are entering the frame from the right. The photo also feels energetic thanks to the bright red appearance of the food vendor. The interaction of the two topless men in the middle of the three duos of men also adds to the energetic feel of the photograph because of their display of affection towards each other.
In the image, the bottom of the menu and the bottom of the red wall creates parallel lines that guide the viewer’s eyes to move in the direction of the subjects of the photo. Stein also shows a good example of figure to ground because of the subjects being against a bright red background. Lastly, Stein provides an interesting example of frill the frame because even though the subjects are not all close to the camera; the two men on the right are very close to the camera; providing the viewer with a sense of depth in the photo with the other 4 subjects away from the camera.
In terms on intention, I think Stein is depicting new York as a place that gay men show affection in public and don’t have to hide.
This photo isn’t typically what we mean when we use the term figure ground but the background is very active and a big part of the setting the scene.
In terms of composition, as you state the photo is divided into horizontal bands. Fill the frame usually means getting closer so then two men hugging would fill the frame and we wouldn’t see the surroundings.