Undertaking visual observation, and using or developing visual materials in interactive
research processes like interviewing, involves the researcher in relationships
as with any observational or interview based study (see Chapters 4 and 5). Aside
from the usual issues about negotiating your role and status – your ‘ethnographic
self’ (Coffey, 1999), consent and co-operation from participants, the use of cameras
or camcorders may raise particular issues. These include negotiating people’s
acceptance of and handling their reactions to visual technologies, and managing
your own competence and use of the equipment while trying to interact with participants.