Visual Methods in Deaf Studies: Using Photography and Filmmaking in Research with Deaf People

This chapter discusses the importance of using visual methods in the field of Deaf Studies, and suggests and evaluates different pathways to utilise these methods. It argues that when using visual research methods, researchers not only respect the use of sign languages, but also provide ways to deepen the understanding of the uniquely visual deaf experience of the world. This chapter provides a literature review of the major forms of visual research methods currently used in Deaf Studies research and in other fields. The remainder of the chapter deal with two case studies taken from the authors’ own experiences: auto-driven photo-elicitation interviews in the UK and the creation of an ethnographic film in Mumbai; including an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the methods that were used.