Sight (Un)seen: learning experiences from fieldwork using qualitative visual methods

Purpose This purpose of this research note is to draw on “visuality” and “the right to look” − concepts which challenge authoritarian classifications of what is visualised − to critically examine the use of qualitative visual methods. Design/methodology/approach The author expands on and discuss insights from fieldwork and interviews conducted with participants of nature-based events in Sweden. Findings Researchers who use qualitative visual methods face ethical dilemmas in relation to the complex interactions between research participants and researchers, and therefore, ideally need to learn to balance the power dynamics between visualities. Practical implications Researchers ideally need to recognise the absence of straightforward answers when using qualitative visual methods and carefully consider who should realistically represent the images for research. At times, the findings of such research may need to challenge the participants’ own visual intentions. Social implications Scholars should address certain ethical considerations, as the intentions in conducting qualitative visual research may conflict with what the participants wish to have visualised. Originality/value The insights from this research note provide insights into how ethical implications might be addressed when two visualities meet in research context.