Become a better observer
Posted: October 20, 2012 | Contents: Chapter 1 | Tags: active observation, become a better observer, david miller, matador network, matadornetwork.com, observation, observer, travel journalism, travel writing Leave a comment »While Chapter 1 urges the travel writer to employ more tools than just observation while investigating her story, observation is still an effective primary source of information. David Miller, at the Matador network has offered these exercises to becoming a better observer. First he discusses active observation which he states,
Active observation is trying to see the connections between what’s visible in someone (their expressions, clothes, what they’re doing) and invisible (their histories, upbringing, dreams, desires). This is key, because within the gap between what’s visible and invisible is often where the deepest, most credible, and most interesting stories are found.
To practice observations, Miller states, try these three exercises:
- Stories out of photos
- analyzing how relationships are expressed in film
- Active observation in daily life
