Responding to an Image

This scene might look and feel quite different to different observers, depending on their vantage points, emotions, and experiences. In this image, what prominent element attracts your attention? Who are the observers? Which details might be important for them? Although visual details are central, what other senses and emotions might come into play?

Most writers begin to write by recalling what they know. Then they look around and add what they observe. Some writing consists almost entirely of observation — a reporter’s eyewitness account of a fire, a clinical report by a nurse detailing a patient’s condition, a scientist’s account of a laboratory experiment, a traveler’s blog or photo essay. In fact, observation plays a large role in any writing that describes a person, place, or thing. Observation also provides support, details to make a point clear or convincing. For example, a case study might report information from interviews and analyze artifacts — whether ancient bowls, new playground equipment, or decades of airport records. However, to make its abstractions and statistics more vivid, it also might integrate compelling observation.

If you need more to write about, open your eyes — and your other senses. Take in what you can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. As you write, report your observations in concrete detail. Of course, you can’t record everything your senses bring you. You must be selective based on what’s important and relevant for your purpose and audience. To make a football game come alive for readers of your college newspaper, you might mention the overcast cold weather and the spicy smell of bratwurst. But if your purpose is primarily to explain which team won and why, you might stress the muddy playing field, the most spectacular plays, and the players who scored.