Photovoice

Photovoice is a method in which people use photography to document and reflect on their experiences in the world, highlighting issues that matter to them. It is often used in community-based projects to support dialogue, build collective understanding, and influence decision-making. For policymakers, photovoice offers a powerful way to engage communities, surface local knowledge, and advocate for change through visually driven storytelling.  

Photovoice is different from other photography-based approaches, such as photo journals, competitions, or exhibitions. This is because:

• Photovoice involves working with a designated group of people over a set period of time. The group is asked to reflect on a shared question or theme and respond to it through photography.
• Photovoice is not just about visual content, it offers a structured, reflective process, in which the photographs are a starting point for dialogue, reflection, and potentially, change.
• Photovoice has traditionally been a method for people who are often overlooked, unheard or unseen in a particular setting. The intended value of Photovoice projects is important to consider – whose viewpoints (human and / or environmental) are you supporting or enabling?

In this module Geraldine Brown explains how Photovoice was used within PLANET4B, in this video she introduces the PLANET4B Learning Community:

In this video Geraldine Brown introduces how Photovoice can be used to explore perspectives and experiences through images:

Key Features

Participants:

• Group size ranges from 10 – 35 people, the group should enable group discussions but also have opportunities to support individuals. The method can also be adapted to use with individuals.
• In the PLANET4B project this method was integrated into the participatory filmmaking undertaken with the UK case study Learning Community (exploring nature-society relations amongst Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities). Meanwhile a close variant of it – photo interview – was used as part of the Swiss case study (exploring organic farming practices and religion).
• Participants do not necessarily need to know each other beforehand, however, if you are running this method with a new group it is recommended to spend a session building connections and create a sense of familiarity. The 'Who Am I?' Method, or Biodiversity Storytelling may be helpful.

Timeframe:

• A minimum of 2 sessions with the participants is recommended, however this could be increased, depending on your timeframe and goals.
• Once you have recruited your group, ideally allow a minimum of 2 weeks for taking photos, reflecting, and writing captions. This timeframe can, however, be shortened or extended based on your schedule and capacity.

Budget and Materials:

Photovoice can be a low-cost method, however you may still need to budget for the following:

• Photography equipment: many people will be able to take photos using their phones. You might want to consider having some cameras available to borrow, or tripods or photo lights - this helps include those without phone cameras or allows for higher-quality images if desired.
• Workshop materials - flipcharts, sticky notes and markers (for planning, storyboarding and group discussion, and snacks, drinks, or lunch (if in person)
• Gifts – a small thank-you gift could be offered for attending, however a prize is not appropriate in this method, as all contributions are equally valued.
• Display materials - including printing costs, clip frames, foam boards, or digital screens.
• Time – if workshops happen during work hours, factor in the cost of people’s time.
• Participant information sheets and ethical consent forms, if being used as part of a research process.

Skills Required:

To help support the method run smoothly, ensure the following skills are covered by the team:

• Facilitation: Guide group discussions in a way that encourages reflection and flattens hierarchy. Create a space where participants feel comfortable to speak, share, and challenge ideas.
• Supporting: participants should have ownership of the process, the organiser’s role is to support, not steer, the process.
• Storytelling and communication: Support photographers in developing captions and communicating the meaning behind their images, exploring if this could be distilled into a clear message.
• Leveraging and influence: Understand how the images and stories might have an impact. For example, will they raise awareness, build momentum, or prompt a specific change?
• Project coordination: Manage logistics, communication, scheduling, materials, budget.