Confessions of a Crap Visual Researcher

Participatory photographic methods aim to redress researcher bias and privilege by involving non-researchers in subject inquiry. When considering the commitment of researchers and the generosity of participants, approaches can be difficult to evaluate and replicate. Moreover, expectations of rigour can create additional pressures, particularly when researchers face increased scrutiny over budget usage, eco-consciousness, stricter ethics guidelines, time-management, and administrative requirements. While photographers considering participatory methods are advised to think carefully about the suitability, less is made of the value of failure or the messiness of photographic practice. This paper is a critical reflection on participatory components of practice-led research in Japan over ten years. Specifically, it problematizes two photographic research projects where participation resulted in methodological shifts in the author’s creative practice. Recognizing the tension between learning from everyday camera users and emancipating them from photography’s various programs, it considers rendering visible uncertainties and time poverty – though not attractive – for shared inquiries.