The first stage in ethnographic study is participant observation, where the researcher goes into the field, acquiring first-hand experience by actively or interactively participating in that society’s day-to-day life. In practice, this means looking and listening, but it may even involve actual participation in whatever is going on. The ethnographer may also collect documentary material such as photographs and sound recordings, as well as writing down the observations. Ordinarily, this would be conducted over ab extended period of time in order for the society to get used to an outsider observing and enquiring into their day-to-day activities.