Using photo elicitation in focused ethnography with adolescents: methodological lessons from an urban greenspace study

BACKGROUND: Innovative qualitative methods are important in nursing research for understanding perspectives that are often under-heard, including those of adolescents. AIM: This methodological article draws on a focused ethnographic study of 11 urban adolescents aged 12-18 years to examine the use of photo elicitation in nursing research on greenspace, health and place. Using disposable cameras, participant-led photo tasks, semi-structured interviews and integrated visual-verbal analysis, the study explored how photo elicitation supported adolescent engagement while generating insight into how young people perceived and used urban greenspaces. DISCUSSION: This article discusses the methodological and ethical issues that arose in the study, including camera training, timely return of cameras, assent and parental consent, privacy and image ownership, and the interpretation of photographs alongside interview and fieldnote data. It also reflects on the integration of emic and etic perspectives and on the role of reflexivity in analysing adolescent-generated visual data. CONCLUSION: Trustworthiness was supported through verbatim transcription, audit trails, NVivo analysis and team triangulation, with analysis informed by the approach of Braun and Clarke (2006) . Photo elicitation supported reflection, participant-led discussion and richer contextual understanding of adolescents' experiences. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article offers practical guidance for nursing researchers using visual methods with adolescents, with an emphasis on study design, ethical planning, and integrated analysis of visual and verbal data. These methodological lessons are relevant to adolescent health, community health and nursing research using participatory qualitative approaches.