Imag(in)ing ‘homeless places’: using auto‐photography to (re)examine the geographies of homelessness

Abstract

Despite its growing popularity as a method across the social sciences, the methodological literature on auto-photography is remarkably sparse. In an effort to begin redressing this gap, this paper provides an account of the ways in which auto-photography was used to complement other research methods in a (re)examination of the geographies of homelessness. It describes how auto-photography illuminated 'hidden' spaces that do not typically feature in public (or academic) imaginations of homelessness, and provided more nuanced understandings of the use, meanings and dynamics associated with other, apparently already 'known' spaces. It concludes that whilst auto-photography presents a number of logistical and ethical challenges -particularly when used with such a vulnerable group -it is nevertheless a powerful heuristic tool.

A Literature Review to Evaluate the Choice and Use of Visual Methods

“…Through such involvement participants may well gain skills and knowledge that could change their life opportunities. Pink (2001) advocated as full a collaboration as is practical in order to reduce the power differential, but Parr (2007) noted the challenges of collaboration, particularly those demonstrated in studies with 'hard to reach' groups such as the homeless (Johnsen et al, 2008;Packard, 2008;Radley et al, 2005).…”

“…It is only by giving participants a camera that visual information became available to the researcher. Examples of this are pictures taken within a Moroccan hammam, where a westerner would not be welcome (Lorenz & Kolb, 2009); pictures taken by homeless people of places that were unsafe (Johnsen et al, 2008); and images from young participants' places of work (Bolton et al, 2001).…”

“…There are many groups which are a challenge to engage in the research process, such as homeless people (Johnsen, May, & Cloke, 2008;Packard, 2008;Radley, Hodgetts, & Cullen, 2005). Visual methods do not require participants to be articulate or have high levels of literacy, so these methods are often employed with such groups.…”

Using volunteer-employed photography to inform tourism planning decisions: A study of St David's Peninsula, Wales

“…These include the empowerment afforded to participants to express their views (Rhodes et al, 2008;Armstrong, 2005;Boal, 1979;Hubbard, 1994), the ability to collect and study personalised, "verbatim" experiential accounts (Garrod, 2008;Luttrell, 2007), and greater enjoyment, and hence engagement, on the part of participants (Kaplan et al, 2007;Castleden et al, 2008) and researchers (Thompson et al, 2008). Negative features of VEP as a technique, meanwhile, tend to be associated with the administration of the research, including its tendency to be resource intensive (Bijoux andMyers, 2006, Kaplan et al, 2007) and the greater possibility of technical failure, for example due to equipment malfunction (Goodhart et al, 2006;Johnsen et al, 2008). Common ground among almost all commentators, however, is that such methods are under-utilised in social research (Garrod, 2007;MacKay & Couldwell, 2002).…”

“…Three main issues were identified and addressed before the fieldwork was undertaken: copyright issues (Wiles et al, 2008), ensuring the participants' anonymity (Johnsen et al, 2008) and child safety (British Sociological Association, 2006). Participants were asked in advance for permission for the photos to be copyrighted to the University and were assured of their anonymity at all times.…”