There is a common attribute that good photographers and good writers share, and that is being a good observer (not in the creepy Fringe Observer sort of way).

In photography, the observer reference can be seen as quite literal, since photography is a visual art requiring basic visual awareness, at least, before pushing the shutter release. Different types of photography require some more focused attention to different characteristics, but overall and generally speaking, a good photographer will watch and learn the behaviors of their subject in order to draw out the desired vibe, look, or emotion. It could be noticing that a young model is nervous and breaking the ice, or that a composed shot feels forced or unnatural, because “real” people wouldn’t be reacting in a certain way.

Writing is the same way. In order to write about characters reacting in a certain way to a situation, it’s important to know how real people react in those situations, so that the story lines retain a sense of believability, regardless of the genre of writing. More often than not, characters are drawn from real life. The gardener, the dad, the cowboy, the cop, all having some special attributes or abilities to make the story unique, but all rooted in fundamental human behaviors.

Observation is also a wonderful source of inspiration. And old couple holding hands as they walk down the street, a good Samaritan stopping to help fix a tire on a busy highway, a young couple having a hushed argument in the back of a coffee shop. There are things happening all around that can serve as the source for the next great work of fiction, or as inspiration for composing a photographic scene. The trick, I’m learning, is to just let yourself sit back and watch. I often feel like I’m rushed, or need to be distracted with my phone, or just focused on my own self and not taking the opportunity to be more conscious of what’s going on around me. It’s certainly not an automatic behavior for me; at least, not yet.

But like everything else, it’s going to take practice.

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creative 365 – no. 76