Photovoice
This method provides participants an opportunity to create photographs as visual representations of personal or community concerns and needs. Presenting the photos and their meaning in group discussion empowers them to reflect on personal and community strengths, create critical dialogue, share knowledge about personal and community issues.
Participants are provided cameras (or they can use mobile or smart phones) to take photos which enables them to record and reflect their needs and concerns through photographic images. Photo discussion allows participants to share and discuss the photos they took for each photo assignment and promote critical dialogue about personal or community strengths, concerns and needs. Participants present their photos during a facilitated discussion.[1]
THEME
Personal and community needs
COMPLEXITY
Intermediate
Advanced
GROUP SIZE
15
participants
AGE
15+
TIME
120
min.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduction (15 min): To begin, guide participants through a short visualization related to the needs being explored.
For example: “Sit comfortably. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Notice how the air enters and leaves your body—just observe the breath.
Now, I invite you to imagine a neighborhood you would love to live in—your ideal neighborhood. Imagine walking through it. Observe what’s happening around you. What sounds do you hear? What smells can you notice? What do you see?
What are the people like in this neighborhood? What are they doing? How do they feel?
Now pause for a moment and notice how you feel in this neighborhood.
I invite you to gently say goodbye to your ideal neighborhood and return your focus to your breath. When you’re ready, open your eyes.”- After the visualization, invite participants to individually think about:
- How does your ideal neighborhood compare to the one you currently live in?
- What are the similarities and differences?
- What would need to change for your current neighborhood to be a better place to live?
- What are some problems or unmet needs in the community that should be addressed?
Their task is to go outside—whether it’s the main street, a town square, near the school, or any other area (there are no specific boundaries)—and take photographs that capture specific problems or needs experienced by the local community, especially those affecting young people.
Each participant selects one to three photos (depending on the time designated for the discussion and/or the number of participants) they would like to present to the group and sends them to the facilitator.
- After the visualization, invite participants to individually think about:
- Taking photos in a local community (45 min): Participants go into the community to take photos on the given topic and send their selected photo(s) to the facilitator. The facilitator uploads the photos to an online platform (e.g., Padlet) and labels each photo with the name of the author. Each participant is expected to send one to three photos to the facilitator or post them directly on the platform.
- Reflection and commenting on photos (45 min): Participants whose photos are shown share their associations and interpretations of the image.
Others are encouraged to reflect on and respond to what is shared, fostering discussion and deeper understanding.- If time allows and there is interest, the group may explore potential next steps to address specific problems identified in the photos.
- Reflection and evaluation (15 min): The following questions can be asked:
-
- What did you enjoy about this activity?
- Was there anything you didn’t enjoy or would like to see done differently?
- How did you feel during the exercises?
- Did you learn something new about yourself, others and your community?
Tips for Facilitators:
- When projecting photos for the group, it’s best to show one photo at a time to ensure everyone knows which image is being discussed.
- Remind the participants about how they can use a scene they photograph in a literal way or as a metaphor.
- Make sure the space allows for open discussion and participants feel safe to share their thoughts.
Variations and adjustments:
- This activity can also be carried out over a longer period of time, allowing young people to collect photographs over several days — for example, objects from their personal lives or their journey to school.
- If there is interest, the collected photos can be turned into a local community exhibition to raise awareness about a specific issue.
Disclaimer:
- It is important to keep in mind that permission is required if people in the local community are photographed in a close-up frame.
Make sure the participants move in a safe way through the neighbourhood, reminding them to be aware of traffic and careful about dangerous places.
[1] (14) Hergenrather, K., Rhodes, S. and Pula, S. (2009). Photovoice as Community-Based Participatory Research: A Qualitative Review. American Journal of Health Behaviour.
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).
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