Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Photographic Analysis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Photography as a Social Research Method

  • 1872 Accesses

Abstract

The main aim of this chapter is to introduce different analytical positions and directions that researchers can take when analysing photographs. We cover the theoretical concepts of various analytical methods and extract the Grundgedanke (German: foundational thought) of each method. The different analytical approaches chosen draw researchers’ attention to different analytical aspects and data layers of a photograph. In other words, a photograph can look different—mean different—depending on what analytical approach has been chosen. To illustrate this, a single photograph is analysed employing different analytical approaches. This shows that applying different methods to the same image draws the researcher’s attention in various directions that produce differing analytical outcomes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of positionality in visual analysis and the possibilities of combining analytical methods to unfold the multilevel meanings of photographs.

The original version of this chapter was revised: For detailed information please see Erratum. The erratum to this chapter is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7279-6_7

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aiello, G. (2006). Theoretical advances in critical visual analysis: Perception, ideology, mythologies, and social semiotics. Journal of Visual Literacy, 26(2), 89–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alex, G. (2009). Learning and embodying caste, class and gender. Chennai: National Folklore Support Centre.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altheide, D. L. (1987). Reflections: Ethnographic content analysis. Qualitative Sociology, 10(1), 65–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barthes, R. (1972). Mythologies. 1957 (Annette Lavers, Trans.) (pp. 302–306). New York: Hill and Wang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, P. (2011). Content analysis of visual images. In T. van Leeuwen & C. Jewitt (Eds.), The handbook of visual analysis (pp. 10–34). London: Sage Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bengtsson, M. (2016). How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis. NursingPlus Open, 2, 8–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berelson, B. (1952). Content analysis in communications research. Glencoe: The Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumer, H. (1956). Sociological analysis and the “variable”. American Sociological Review, 21(6), 683–690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bock, A., Isermann, H., & Knieper, T. (2011). The sage handbook of visual research methods. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boréus, K., & Bergström, G. (2017). Content analysis. In Analyzing text and discourse: Eight approaches for the social sciences (pp. 23).

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyatzis, R. E. (1998). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2016). (Mis) conceptualising themes, thematic analysis, and other problems with Fugard and Potts’(2015) sample-size tool for thematic analysis. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 19(6), 739–743.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cho, J. Y., & Lee, E.-H. (2014). Reducing confusion about grounded theory and qualitative content analysis: Similarities and differences. The Qualitative Report, 19(32), 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christmann, G. B. (2008). The power of photographs of buildings in the Dresden urban discourse. Towards a visual discourse analysis. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(3), Art. 11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collier, M. (2001). Approaches to analysis in visual anthropology. In T. van Leeuwen & C. Jewitt (Eds.), Handbook of visual analysis (pp. 35–60). London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deutsch, N. L. (2004). Positionality and the pen: Reflections on the process of becoming a feminist researcher and writer. Qualitative Inquiry, 10(6), 885–902.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drew, S., & Guillemin, M. (2014). From photographs to findings: Visual meaning-making and interpretive engagement in the analysis of participant-generated images. Visual Studies, 29(1), 54–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duriau, V. J., & Reger, R. K. (2004). Choice of text analysis software in organization research: Insight from a multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis. In 7th International Conference on the Textual Data Statistical Analysis, March, 2004 (Vol. 1012, pp. 382–389).

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, E. (2012). Objects of affect: Photography beyond the image. Annual Review of Anthropology, 41, 221–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emmel, N. (2015). Themes, variables, and the limits to calculating sample size in qualitative research: A response to Fugard and Potts. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 18(6), 685–686.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finfgeld-Connett, D. (2014). Use of content analysis to conduct knowledge-building and theory-generating qualitative systematic reviews. Qualitative Research, 14(3), 341–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fugard, A. J., & Potts, H. W. (2015). Supporting thinking on sample sizes for thematic analyses: a quantitative tool. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 18(6), 669–684.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gauntlett, D., & Holzwarth, P. (2006). Creative and visual methods for exploring identities. Visual Studies, 21(01), 82–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, J., & Thorogood, N. (2013). Analysing qualitative data. In D. Silverman (Ed.), Qualitative methods for health research (pp. 198–203). London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, X., Wu, B., Morrison, A. M., & Wang, F. (2016). Worth thousands of words? Visual content analysis and photo interpretation of an outdoor tourism spectacular performance in Yangshuo-Guilin, China. Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 27(2), 201–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hsieh, H.-F., & Shannon, S. E. (2005). Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 15(9), 1277–1288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkings, N. K., Woodward, R., & Winter, T. (2008). The emergent production of analysis in photo elicitation: Pictures of military identity. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(3), Art. 30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knoblauch, H., Baer, A., Laurier, E., Petschke, S., & Schnettler, B. (2008). Visual analysis. New developments in the interpretative analysis of video and photography. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(3), Art. 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolb, B. (2008). Involving, sharing, analysing—Potential of the participatory photo interview. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(3), Art. 12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kracauer, S. (1952). The challenge of qualitative content analysis. Public Opinion Quarterly, 631–642.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krippendorff, K. (2012). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krishna, S. (2011). Hidden face of violence: Dynamics of intra-household discrimination and inequalities in India. In S. Prasad (Ed.), Women in India: Trials and triumphs (pp. 53–71). New Delhi: Viva Books Private Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenette, C. (2016). Writing with light: An iconographic-iconologic approach to refugee photography. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 17(2).

    Google Scholar 

  • MacKay, K. J., & Couldwell, C. M. (2004). Using visitor-employed photography to investigate destination image. Journal of Travel Research, 42(4), 390–396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maratos, M., Huynh, L., Tan, J., Lui, J., & Jarus, T. (2016). Picture this: Exploring the lived experience of high-functioning stroke survivors using photovoice. Qualitative Health Research, 26(8), 1055–1066.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayring, P. (2000). Qualitative content analysis. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 1, 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayring, P. (2015). Qualitative content analysis: Theoretical background and procedures. Approaches to qualitative research in mathematics education (pp. 365–380). Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehta, A. K., & Shah, A. (2003). Chronic poverty in India: Incidence, causes and policies. World Development, 31(3), 491–511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meijer, V. (2011). Iconography, iconology and style analysis. G53 Rethinking ‘Classical’ Art.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller, M. G. (2011). Iconography and iconology as a visual method and approach. In The SAGE handbook of visual research methods (pp. 283–297).

    Google Scholar 

  • Neuendorf, K. A. (2016). The content analysis guidebook. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Noland, C. M. (2006). Auto-photography as research practice: Identity and self-esteem research. Journal of Research Practice, 2(1), 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panofsky, E. (1939). Studies in iconology. Humanistic themes in the art of the renaissance. New York: Harper Torchbooks.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panofsky, E. (1955). Iconography and iconology: An introduction to the study of renaissance art. In E. Panofsky (Ed.), Meaning in the visual arts (pp. 51–81). Middlesex: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penn, G. (2000). Semiotic analysis of still images. Qualitative Researching with Text, Image and Sound, 227–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pennington, D. (2017). Coding of non-text data. In L. S. A. Quan-Haase (Ed.), The sage handbook of social media research methods (pp. 232–250). London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piper, H., & Frankham, J. (2007). Seeing voices and hearing pictures: Image as discourse and the framing of image-based research. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 28(3), 373–387.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richard, V. M., & Lahman, M. K. (2015). Photo-elicitation: Reflexivity on method, analysis, and graphic portraits. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 38(1), 3–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose, G. (2000). Practising photography: An archive, a study, some photographs and a researcher. Journal of Historical Geography, 26(4), 555–571.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rössler, P. (2005). Inhaltsanalyse. Konstanz: UVK-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruck, N., & Slunecko, T. (2008). A portrait of a dialogical self: Image science and the dialogical self. International Journal for Dialogical Science, 3(1), 261–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreier, M. (2014). Qualitative content analysis. In U. Flick (Ed.), The sage handbook of qualitative data analysis (pp. 170–183). London: Sage Publications.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Siegesmund, R., & Freedman, K. (2013). Images as research: Creation and interpretation of the visual. In F. Hernandez-Hernandez & R. Fendler (Eds.), 1st Conference on Arts-Based and Artistic Research (pp. 18-26). Barcelona: University of Barcelona.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonesson, G. (2015). Semiotics of photography: The state of the art. In International handbook of semiotics (pp. 417–483). Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • St Pierre, E. (2009). Decentering voice in qualitative inquiry. In Voice in qualitative inquiry: Challenging conventional, interpretive, and critical conceptions in qualitative research (pp. 221–236).

    Google Scholar 

  • Starosta, W. J. (1984). Qualitative content analysis: A Burkeian perspective. In W. B. Gudykunsy & Y. Y. Kim (Eds.), Methods of intercultural communications research (pp. 185–194). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stepchenkova, S., & Zhan, F. (2013). Visual destination images of Peru: Comparative content analysis of DMO and user-generated photography. Tourism Management, 36, 590–601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subedi, B. (2013). Photographic images of refugee spatial encounters: Pedagogy of displacement. Qualitative Research in Education, 2(3), 277–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Torre, D., & Murphy, J. (2015). A different lens: Using photo-elicitation interviews in education research. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 23(111), n111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaismoradi, M., Jones, J., Turunen, H., & Snelgrove, S. (2016). Theme development in qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 6(5), 100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15(3), 398–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van House, N. A. (2006). Interview viz: Visualization-assisted photo elicitation. In CHI’06 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Montreal, Quebac, Canada, 2006 (pp. 1463–1468). ACM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Leeuwen, T. (2004). Semiotics and iconography. In T. van Leeuwen, & C. Jewitt (Eds.), The handbook of visual analysis (pp. 92–118). London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber, R. P. (1990). Basic content analysis (Vol. 49). London: Sage Publications.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • White, J., & Drew, S. (2011). Collecting data or creating meaning? Qualitative Research Journal, 11(1), 3–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, M. D., & Marsh, E. E. (2006). Content analysis: A flexible methodology. Library Trends, 55(1), 22–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaidman-Zait, A. (2014). Content analysis. In A. Michalos (Ed.), Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research. Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer, L. (2006). Qualitative meta-synthesis: A question of dialoguing with texts. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 53(3), 311–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia

    Sten Langmann

  2. Curtin Business School, Perth, WA, Australia

    David Pick

Authors
  1. Sten Langmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. David Pick
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sten Langmann .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Langmann, S., Pick, D. (2018). Photographic Analysis. In: Photography as a Social Research Method. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7279-6_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7279-6_5

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-7277-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-7279-6

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation