Abstract
Visual Research is an accessible introduction to the ever-expanding world of visual ethnography. In a society where digital technology is ubiquitous, this text refocuses the reader’s mind on the ethnographic landscape in which visual data resides. Technology makes it very easy to collect visual data; this text reminds us that these data carry with them ethical considerations around collection, storage and use that are easy to overlook in a culture saturated with images and video.
With the rapid changes in technology, visual technologies may be deemed to be ubiquitous and this book clearly focuses our attention on the discussion of fitness for purpose in using such methods as forms of research data. Suitable for those new to visual data collection, this book provides a concise summary of the key features of visual research and covers all stages of the research process – ethical considerations to composition and analysis. Throughout the book, the purpose and meaning of visual data, as a research method, are kept firmly in the forefront of our minds.
There is a careful balance of accessible and clear language alongside technical information that makes the book of use to the researcher or lay person with an interest in the field. Indeed, a key success of the book is that it manages to merge considerations of analysis and ethics with easy-to-follow practical advice about creating, storing and using images as methods of data collection. The case studies that Marion and Crowder include in each key section clearly illustrate the benefits and challenges of working with visual data.
The book is made up of three sections: image basics, making images and using images. Each section is split into chapters on topics such as the ethics of images, thinking of images as data, organization and storage and exploring images. It is most valuable to read the book in its entirety, but this clear structuring also makes it useful as a reference guide for specific information.
The first section of the book locates contemporary issues regarding visual data collection and storage within the more historic and ethically debated uses of visual data within ethnography. This section stresses the importance of using visual data collection appropriately in relation to the specific aims of one’s research project. From the outset the book locates itself within the field of ethnographic research and continues to focus the reader’s attention on the concept of fitness for purpose when discussing the various, technologically enhanced and accessible ways in which data can be collected and analysed.
The second section of the book covers cameras and their historical importance; the section is split into three types of visual media: photography, film and multimedia. ‘Photography’ covers composition, effective use of equipment (here again we see a good balance of technical instruction using accessible language). ‘Film’ covers equipment and the effective use of time; unless research is well-planned, it is particularly easy to record hours of irrelevant data. ‘Multimedia’ covers PowerPoint, posters, hypermedia, blogs, web pages and digital storytelling. This latter section provides useful suggestions on the most effective uses of these specific applications.
The final section focuses upon storing, using and analysing the visual data obtained. Here, the book highlights the problem of the impermanence of digital data storage and it gives practical advice about overcoming this, as well as presenting best-practice when storing and handling visual data. Once again the accessibility and clarity in which technical processes (such as workflow and metadata) are introduced, discussed and their importance to the research process highlighted via case study examples ensures readers new to visual research can easily understand and engage with the key issues raised.
In today’s society, where digital technologies are commonplace, this book encourages researchers who may be new to using visual ethnography to think critically about the use and meaning of visual data. It successfully teaches the reader the purpose and processes required to complete a successful visual research project.