Photovoice Worldwide: On expanding the frame

In this episode we talk with Stephanie Lloyd and Erica Belli from Photovoice Worldwide about expanding the frame. They each explain how their distinct career trajectories led them to photovoice, and they describe why they find this research method valuable. They explore the ethical challenges that come with photovoice, and they also talk about the ethical challenges that photovoice aims to solve.

What does photography ethics mean to Erica? 

“Photography ethics means so many things to me. I think the first thing that comes to mind is the idea that you have this tool in your hands, or you’re given this tool in your hands when it comes to photovoice, and you have to be responsible about it. It’s a bit about going into things with blinders or not. And deciding that you are going to think about the implications of a photo, you’re going to think not only of you taking this picture, but where is this pictures going to showcased, who is in this picture, what are the consequences for the person who is photographed, and where can this picture make change. There’s so many questions around photo ethics.” (41:57)

What does photography ethics mean to Stephanie? 

“When I think about photovoice, I think about it as a social justice issue, so really through photography wanting to strive for diversity and equal representation involving groups that aren’t typically asked to share their opinions, and creating these opportunities for participants to share their voice and advocate for themselves and share what’s most important. … Photos are powerful tools, so making sure that through our photography that there is a piece of consideration here… While it can be such an important tool and something that can really uplift and share the power, making sure that we’re doing that in a way that’s respectful and that’s representative of groups and what they want to share.” (43:21)

Links:

Paulo Freire

“When Everything is Photovoice: Moving the conversation forward” by Daniela Miranda

“Taking an Anticolonial Approach to Photovoice: An interview with Dr. Jen Fricas”

Laura Lorenz