How to Observe People (As a Hobby)

WikiHow

https://www.wikihow.it/Osservare-le-Persone-(Per-Hobby)

Observing people is meant to put us in touch with the beauty and rhythm of the community around us.People watching is great, you will have a lot of fun with your friends.Especially in a place full of scruffy people.For some observers, it's all about creativity, using moments of observation to try to guess the story of a person without knowing anything about them, and enjoying the fun of what, in hindsight, is a new social science.
  1. It's helpful to know why you're there.There could be various reasons but the main one is observing how other people live and behave and guessing their motivations and stories.And observing people is not about feeling superior to others or judging them;more than anything, if an impartial observer with a penchant for discovering the stories of others as a sign of love and empathy.Some reasons include:
    • It's relaxing and fun.Seeing other people having fun, in costume, going about their daily errands is fun and even relaxing as you're sitting in a comfortable spot like a coffee shop or a park bench in the sunshine.People are fascinating, so this point needs no further explanation!
    • Time passes while you wait or while you are next to people who don't interest you that much but who you find yourself forced to be with.
    • It restores a sense of wonder.Children are known for their observation of people and even just by trying it again, you can regain that sense of wonder for a few moments.
    • It's educational.If you're writing a book or developing characters in a script, observing people can be a great way to find characteristics and styles for your characters.Plus, if you're an actor, observation is a window into other ways of walking, standing, talking, and interacting in the natural habitat.And it's the ideal opportunity to test your knowledge or theories about body language.
    • It is an excellent source of inspiration for art and photography.If you are an artist or photographer, unknowing people can be ideal subjects.
    • The inspiration.Watching people can lead to composing a symphony, writing a screenplay or a blog post.
    • It's a healthy alternative to stalking on Facebook or Instagram.
  2. Naturalistic study is the act of observing subjects in their natural habitat.[1] This entails the need to be discreet, not to be noticed and not to interfere.The moment you make one of these mistakes, the spell is broken and you have interacted and it is no longer “people watching”.
    • Bear in mind that there are places that are more suitable than others.New York City, Paris, Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Venice make ideal audiences for people-watching, because everyone knows they are on display, and being watched.Any city where you dress to show the world your look or sense of style is potentially a great place for people-watching.Less suitable will be the small town or provincial city, unless you can be extremely cautious and not attract attention.
    • Certain methods of observation are more acceptable in some places than in others.Taking photos of people in Manhattan usually won't inconvenience anyone;doing it on the street in a suburban town could be annoying.Try to understand where it is acceptable to photograph people and where it is best to avoid, and not exceed the limits.If someone sees you taking a photo of them and doesn't agree, humor them by deleting it from your memory;this activity is not made for arguing.
  3. The ideal spot is sitting in the window of a bar overlooking a busy street.It's the classic Parisian location, so that even in the cold you can sit behind a large clean window to look out.There are several other options, however, including:
    • The railing on the upper floor of a shopping center.
    • At the foot of a tree in the park [2] or anywhere crowded with tourists and locals.
    • Around a public pool or on the beach;at a party or rave (it's interesting to see the change in people depending on the type of event).
    • At the entrance or exit of a cinema, theatre, show, doctor's office...
    • Clubs, pubs, bars…
    • Theme parks, zoos, aquariums and other places where your feet hurt after a while and you just need to sit back and watch the world pass you by.
    • Animal parks.Where dogs socialize, their owners do too.[3]
    • Stores, including second-hand stores and bookstores.
    • Art galleries and museums.[4] Observing someone intent on observing something else can be very funny, especially if they are people imagining the thoughts of the subjects of the paintings – how much can you open this matryoshka?!
    • Don't neglect public transportation;it's ideal territory for observation, as you're all glued to your seat staring at each other.
  4. The important thing is to put yourself in a place where you are not seen.Basically, it needs to look like you're doing something else, and not staring at people:
    • Act busy reading, writing, or doing something else while you observe.
    • Eat or drink something while you observe.
    • Wear sunglasses so as not to reveal the direction of your eyes.
  5. Find someone who catches your attention and who won't disappear before you have a chance to observe them enough.As you watch, think about what kind of person he might be:
    • Ask yourself questions about each person you choose:why is he here?Is he happy?Nervous?Irascible?Why?What does her way of standing say about her?And his way of speaking?Do they match?
    • Look at the clothes:What do the clothes suggest about the person?Is she poor or rich?Do you have style or don't you care about fashion?Is she dressed appropriately for the day or not?Is it part of a popular subculture?
    • From his style, what do you think his ambitions, political visions or work are?
    • Identify the "lookalikes".It means trying to find people who look like someone you know or celebrities.Who knows, maybe you'll see a real one!
    • Do you recognize anyone?As you get older, bystanders might be ex-lovers, bosses, teachers, or classmates.Keep your concentration high!
  6. It can be even more fun with a friend in harmony with the art of people watching.Ask each other the questions from the previous point.You can even compare related insights until you reach a shared conclusion that satisfies both of you!Being able to share your thoughts on observation can be both a fun and interesting friendship ritual.
  7. This step is optional and could turn the game into a sort of homework for some.However, if you are absolutely committed to observation as a regular hobby, you may benefit from recording your thoughts about the subjects you observe, and if you are an author (including bloggers) or an artist, you can build your art from these observations.
    • Bring a pen and paper with you on the days you decide to dedicate yourself to this activity.Find an ad hoc book – turn the event into a ceremony.Write down the details of what you see and hear from each person, if you can, draw what they look like.It will keep the process interesting and you will have subjects to keep for years.
    • Consider your observed people as potential basis for characters in your novels and record their every behavior.
    • Take painting or acting lessons if you want to record your moments of observation discreetly without a camera.
  8. To avoid being seen as a maniac or nosy, always be respectful of the privacy and spaces of others.Realize that you too are the subject of observations sometimes, perhaps even while you are observing yourself one afternoon...
  9. Sometimes you will get caught and the person will think you are staring at them.There are various ways to react:
    • Smile, shrug and turn away.
    • Talk to him/her if he/she is close enough, and explain what was so interesting or beautiful about him/her that made you observe.
    • Look down and don't look up until he's gone.For when you feel a little shy or scared!
    • Physically turn away or get up and walk away if the situation doesn't seem manageable.
    Advertising

Advice

  • Don't get caught.If people realize they are being watched, they behave very differently.And knowing that you are under observation can frighten a subject, or make him irritable.
  • Try to imagine, in the years to come, what will become of these people you almost met.Will they still be happy or in a hurry?Still on the same continent?In the family?Are you asleep?
  • There are online sites that recommend the best places to practice this activity.Take a look to see if there is anything near you.Some travel guides also include details of the most suitable places in major cities.
  • To keep the process interesting, tell someone about your characters.
  • Start a blog where you can write about your hobby.
  • Don't forget the animals of the city.Even animals in urban environments can be fascinating.As well as your pets!
Advertising

Warnings

  • People-watching is not perversion.Respect everyone's privacy, don't follow people or denigrate them to your friends.
  • Be careful not to start daydreaming while observing people.You may find yourself picking your nose or scratching your head while looking like an idiot and being stared at by the same people you were watching.
  • Be very careful if you intend to take photos, in some cultures it is not allowed and in many cases it can be embarrassing.
Advertising

Things you will need

  • Paper and pen;write well and keep your book as something precious (optional).
  • Some money in case you feel like coffee.
  • Sunglasses (optional).
Licensed under: CC-BY-SA
CAPTCHA

Discover the site GratisForGratis

^