Embracing the everyday: reflections on using video andphotography in health research
Vincent O’Brien, Kenesh Djusipov, Nazgul Esengulova · Insight (University of Cumbria) · 2008
Recent developments in digital media hardware and software offer new opportunities for research and community development. Participatory video and photography have a unique potential in helping researchers and communities to explore different aspects of everyday life. While the use of digital cameras, camcorders and mobile phones is commonplace in economically advantaged countries these technologies are not so readily available poorer countries. In this paper we report on our experiences of using video and photography in our work with semi nomadic herder communities living in the remote mountain villages of Tolok and Kokjar, Kyrgyzstan. This paper outlines some of the ways that digital media technologies were received and used by the villagers and offers an insight into how communications technologies are beginning to impact upon traditional herder lifestyles in these remote communities.