Examples of Participatory Photography Projects

serving different purposes in various communities around the world

As a methodology, photovoice, or participatory photography, is used to explore a range of issues in a variety of fields, such as:

• Research - as a qualitative research method to gather authentic input from a particular community about an issue or situation that effects them, how they see things and what matters to them

• Health - to provide those struggling with poor mental, or physical health with an opportunity to explore their feelings and realities and to communicate with others; to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships, and enable them to represent themselves; to show those who care for them how they see things; to provide a distraction and focus.

• Education - to identify and explore issues with students; build critical thinking and communication skills, self-awareness and empathy; enable those who struggle to participate to express themselves and contribute; to provide an alternative approach for teachers

• Personal Development - to build a sense of self, confidence, social and emotional skills; to celebrate individuality and inclusivity; to encourage autonomy and agency

• International Development - to ensure communities participate in decisions which affect them in terms of aid, programmes and support; to encourage and equip communities to represent and organise themselves, have a voice and take control

• Community Engagement - to get people involved in their community, build bonds and nurture a sense of identity; to focus on commonalities, identify needs and goals, build confidence and agency

• Policy Making - to gain authentic insight into issues and communities, their realities and what’s important to them in order to inform successful and relevant policy design

• Therapy/Rehabilitation - to provide an alternative means of expression,  a creative outlet and a way to reflect; to acknowledge individuality and build a sense of self; to encourage photography as a positive, creative and accessible activity

• Advocacy - to gather ‘evidence’ of circumstances and lived experience to use in a campaign or appeal; to build a sense of identity and confidence within a community to enable them to share their experiences and affect change