Photo Interview
Purpose
To explore personal, cultural, and environmental perspectives through visual storytelling. Photo interviews invite participants to reflect on and share images that represent their experiences, values or beliefs. This method supports emotional expression, critical reflection, and deeper engagement with biodiversity and social change.
Key Features
Participants:
- Typically, 1:1 (interviewer and interviewee)
- Can be adapted for pairs, small groups, or focus groups
- Suitable for all ages; format should be tailored to context
Estimated Timeframe:
- Preparation: 1+ weeks for participants to take/select images
- Interview: 45–90 minutes
- Analysis and follow-up: variable depending on scope
Budget Level:
- Low to Medium
- Costs may include printing, travel, equipment and participant gifts
Materials Needed:
- Camera or smartphone (participant or provided)
- Institutionally approved ethical information and consent forms (if collecting data)
- Recording tools (audio or notes)
- Optional: display materials (frames, boards, screens)
- Optional: exhibition or digital gallery platform
Skills Required:
- Active listening and open questioning
- Facilitation and emotional sensitivity
- Ethical awareness and consent management
- Analytical thinking and visual interpretation
- Basic photography and digital handling
Case Study
Method in Practice
Context of Use
Used in the PLANET4B Swiss case study to explore how religious beliefs influence farming practices and biodiversity attitudes. Farmers shared photos and video clips, which were later exhibited to highlight the connection between faith and ecological stewardship.
How It Worked
Participants took or selected images on a theme (e.g. nature, farming, belief). Interviews were guided by open-ended questions, allowing participants to interpret and reflect on their photos. Visual and verbal data were analysed together and used in public exhibitions.
Engagement & Participation
Participants led the conversation through their images. The method supported agency, emotional depth, and diverse forms of expression. It was adapted to suit different comfort levels, technical access, and cultural contexts.
Outcomes & Insights:
- Fostered personal reflection and ecological awareness
- Strengthened community dialogue and shared purpose
- Created visual outputs for exhibitions and advocacy
- Informed policy and institutional priorities
- Built lasting networks and collaborative potential
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths:
- Accessible and adaptable
- Supports emotional and visual expression
- Encourages participant agency and storytelling
- Can be used for exhibitions, reports, or campaigns
- Suitable for sensitive or complex topics
Considerations:
- Requires ethical care and informed consent
- Emotional responses may arise; support needed
- Impact depends on follow-up and visibility of outputs
- Works best when integrated into broader engagement strategy
- Visual analysis must respect participant meaning and context
