“I Just Don't Think There's any other Image that Tells the Story like [This] Picture Does”: Researcher and Participant Reflections on the Use of Participant-Employed Photography in Social Research

Abstract

The incorporation of visual forms of expression has become common in qualitative research over the past two decades, with participant-employed photography being most prevalent. Visual methods such as photovoice have been used in community-based studies and with individuals to explore their lived experiences, particularly because of their participatory nature. Despite widespread support for visual approaches in existing research, there has been insufficient attention paid to how photography can enhance understanding of the phenomenon under study. Additionally, the existing literature is somewhat bereft of discussion of what individuals think about their participation in studies that incorporate participant-employed photography, or researchers' perspectives of carrying out this type of research. In this article, we describe a photovoice study carried out with young adult women affected by serious illness and provide examples of participants' photographs to illustrate how participant-employed photography can enhance the depth of research data. Specifically, the examples highlight how the photographs enriched participants' verbal descriptions of their lived experiences, which generated a better understanding of their personal embodied realities. We also discuss the young adult women's inclusion of previously taken photographs and reflections on their participation in the study. Finally, we examine the need to consider the intended audience of photographs, and specific ethical and methodological considerations for researchers contemplating the incorporation of participant-employed photography. In doing so, we provide insight into the advantages and challenges of photo-

A school curriculum for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: advice from a young adult with FASD

“…In order to do so, Photovoice research incorporates participantemployed photography and in-depth interviews or focus groups as a means for gaining insight into lived experiences and the subjective meanings attributed to them. While many Photovoice studies are community-based and focused on health promotion, this approach has also been used to explore subjective understandings of lived experiences, particularly those that may be difficult to put into words such as experiences of life-threatening, chronic, or mental illnesses (Burles and Thomas 2014;Guillemin and Drew 2010;Thompson et al 2008). In addition, Photovoice has shown promise in previous research conducted with adolescents, young adults, and individuals with intellectual disabilities (Burles and Thomas 2012;Drew, Duncan, and Sawyer 2010;Jurkowski and Paul-Ward 2007).…”

Using Photovoice as Methodology, Pedagogy and Assessment Tool in Education: Graduate Students’ Experiences and Reflections

“…(Harley, 2012). Contemporary visual approaches are often based on a relativist position that visual data are not reflection of reality, but instead have meanings that are constructed by the producers of the image and those who view it (Burles & Thomas, 2014;Phillips & Belanger, 2011). We as researchers have an ethical imperative to ensure that the ways in which we engage in research with communities honour their wisdom and expertise, and facilitate critical refection on structurally embedded experiences (Liebenberg, 2018).…”

Timeline Drawing and the Online Scrapbook

“…Photo elicitation can trigger rich conversations about the subjects depicted and operate as a bridge between the world of the researcher and research subjects (Meo, 2010). In photovoice, in which participants take photographs and share them with the researcher in focus groups or interviews, participants can influence the research agenda by determining what to capture (Burles & Thomas, 2014).…”