Photovoice is a qualitative research method that emphasises individual and community action. Popularised in the 90s by Wang & Burris (1997) with in the context of public health.
Photovoice methodology was originally conceived as a methodology that could be used to influencing public policy. However, in the context I am using it, I am inviting the students to use their photos to identify issues that they wish to respond to, through their own designed interventions.
It’s a participatory method that allows the participants to capture, and highlight ‘evidence’ of a particular theme or issue. In the case of my research, participants were tasked with taking photos of local places and spaces to explore identify quality of life issues that they may feel empowered to respond to themselves.
In turn, participants shared the visual research / photos they had taken, digitally on a large screen and reflected on them in the group setting. They also received comments and questions from the other members of the group.
The photovoice methodology seems to align well with my research objectives, as it is action orientated and facilitates reflection on the participant’s local environment, with a view to identifying a quality of life issue to respond to. This quote from Caroline Sutton-Brown (2014) sums up the advantages of this methodology clearly;
“Using ethnographic techniques that combine photography, critical dialogue, and experiential knowledge, participants reflect on and communicate their community’s concerns to represent their culture, to expose social problems, and to ignite social change” Sutton-Brown, C. A. (2014)
Sutton-Brown, C. A. (2014) Photovoice: A Methodological Guide, Photography and Culture, 7:2, 169-185 (accessed: 28/12/22 at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2752/175145214X13999922103165?needAccess=true