Visual Research as a Collaborative and Participatory Practice
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Traditionally, visual research has been framed as a representational practice, different from, but equally valid to other representational practices (scientific, literary, etc). The 2011 International Visual Sociology Association Conference provides an opportunity to explore what it means to engage in visual research as a collaborative and participatory practice rather than simply a representational practice. Considering visual research as collaborative and participatory suggests new ways of working together and offers opportunities to think productively about alternative inquiry practices, analytical frames, and dissemination possibilities.