On working with a single photograph

Abstract

Drawing on work with children and young people on photo-voice techniques as a creative process and a key feature of 'taking action' in the context of poverty, HIV and AIDS and schooling, this chapter focuses on some of the methodological issues of engaging in close readings of photographs. In so doing it highlights the ways in which one might apply Clifford Geertz's notion of 'going thick and deep' to working with visual data. The chapter highlights the value to social science researchers of visual culture.