Get closer
A very basic of field research is to “see” things with your own eyes. You need to get closer to the objects/events by yourself, other than using the zoom function of your camera. There is no need to hesitate. With an awareness of being a researcher, and with a playful imagination, try to approach to the object/event as close as possible.
If your research sites are public spaces such as train stations, parks, or places known as “tourist spots,” it is relatively easy to conduct your fieldwork. However, it is important to understand that, sometimes, directing your camera lens is itself a “violent” conduct for the ones being researched. When you plan to visit strange places or to work within intercultural settings, an extra caution may be required. If you feel approaching to the objects/events is difficult, think about why and how you feel as such.
Go out to the field and take 3 pictures:
- First, identify an object/event to focus, and take a photo, then,
- approch closer to the object/event and take the second photo, and,
- further, get closer to the object/event and take another photo.
It is important to experientially understand the relationships between the size of the object/event that you capture (i.e., how it is framed with your camera), and the distance to the object/event within the frame (i.e., how close you have approached the object/event).