Photovoice is a research method that uses photography or videography and storytelling to document and reflect on people's experiences, often with the goal of learning about a specific community, understanding factors that impact health or wellbeing in a specific community, or influencing policy decisions.
Participants take photos that represent their experiences, perspectives, and/or feelings on a topic and reflect on these photos in one-on-one or group discussions.
This guidance provides IRB guidance for navigating the unique safety, privacy, and confidentiality risks that photovoice methods may pose for participants and others.
Below “photo” and “photography” also mean video and videography, respectively.
Who are the Research Participants?
From the perspective of the Pitt IRB, research participants in photovoice activities are those taking photos and providing their reflections, even if the investigator may also consider them “researchers.”
If individuals have their photo taken and are not participating in photovoice activities, they are typically not considered research participants.
When to use Photo Release Forms
Investigators and participants should use a research photo release form to ensure proper permission for and disclosure of the photos.
The following are guidelines for using photo release forms:
- When photographing individuals in private settings, settings/situations where privacy is expected, or on private property, a photo release form is required regardless of whether faces are captured. Release should be obtained prior to photography.
- When photographing people in public where no privacy is expected, it may be appropriate to use the form when individuals (rather than a crowd) are the subject of the photo and identifying information is captured. If identifying information is inadvertently captured and intended to be included in research, release can be obtained after taking the image.
- If the person photographed is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign the release, and when appropriate, assent should be obtained from the child.
- Photos without the appropriate releases should not be used in any research activities or presented publicly. It is the responsibility of the investigator to review photos for identifying information and de-identify or delete/exclude photos that include identifiers not covered by a signed photo release when a release is appropriate.
PittPRO Instructions
The PittPRO application should describe and provide plans for the safety, privacy, and confidentiality risks photovoice may pose for participants and others.
Note that even if identifiable data is not intended to be captured via photovoice, it may occur and should be acknowledged in the submission.
Research Activities
The Research Activities page should include a plan for the study team to introduce the concepts of photovoice and train participants on ethical and safety considerations of taking photos.
The training described in Research Activities should include, at minimum:
- An introduction to photovoice method
- Instructions for obtaining permission to take photographs and using photo release forms
- Instructions for returning signed Photo Release Forms with the associated photos to the study team
- A lesson on the safety and ethical considerations of taking photos, including a discussion of what should not be photographed for the specific study. For example, illegal behavior should generally not be photographed. Participants should not risk their own, or anyone else’s safety, to capture a photo.
Investigators should consider, and the IRB may also require an exploratory exercise in which the study team takes participants into the community to practice the ethical considerations outlined in the training or a role-playing activity among study team members/participants.
Consent Forms
Photovoice consent forms should include the following additional information as applicable:
- A description of the plan to train participants on ethical and safety considerations of taking photos
- A statement that attendance at training is required for participation in photovoice activities
- A statement that participants will be required to obtain photo/video release forms and return them to the study team
Electronic Data Management
“Electronic audio, photographic, or video recording or conferencing” should be selected as a technology.
- Type of technology used to collect data: Digital Photography or Digital Videography
- Will identifiable data be captured by the use of this technology?: Yes
Risks and Benefits
The degree of risk for photovoice activities depends, in part, on what is being photographed and discussed. Include photography as a research activity as well as the risks associated for both research participants and individuals photographed. Acknowledge that capturing identifiable information of individuals may occur even if not intended.
Local Supporting Documents
Upload the photo release form if one is required. Release forms should be modified by the study team to reflect the activities of their study prior to upload.
Research Photography Release Form
Download the Word version of the Release Form or copy this text to the appropriate departmental letterhead:
Title of Project: XXXXXXXXXX
If you have any questions regarding this project, you may contact the following person:
Jane Doe, PhD
Principal Investigator
Department of XXXXX, University of Pittsburgh
412-XXX-XXXX
Funding provided by: XXXXXXXXXXX
RESEARCH PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE FORM
WHAT IS THIS PROJECT ABOUT?
The purpose of this research is to XXXXXXXX
WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO DO?
You are being asked to provide permission to have your photograph taken and/or used as part of this voluntary research project. As part of this project, the other participants, project investigators, and research team may see the picture and may discuss the individuals who are in them. Your photo may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, this research study, publications, presentations, websites, etc.
WHO ELSE MAY SEE PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME?
In addition to the investigator listed at the top of this form and their research staff, the following individuals will or may have access to identifiable information, including photographs, related to your participation:
Authorized representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Research Protections may review your identifiable photographs and this release for the purpose of monitoring the appropriate conduct of this research study. This information may be shared with the study sponsor (funding organization).
In unusual cases, the investigators may be required to release identifiable information related to your participation in response to an order from a court of law. If the investigators learn that you or someone with whom you are involved is in serious danger or potential harm, they will need to inform, as required by Pennsylvania law, the appropriate agencies.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Since this project involves taking photographs, there is a potential risk for breach of confidentiality (for example, someone might know you participated in the project). To maintain your confidentiality, all of the photographs and information collected during this project will be stored in a secure location.
PARTICIPATING IS VOLUNTARY
Your participation in this project by having your photograph taken and/or used is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. However, if you withdraw, your photographs may continue to be used indefinitely. The decision to participate (or not) by having your photograph taken and/or used will have no effect on your relationship with the University of Pittsburgh or UPMC.
You will not receive payment or direct benefit from having your photograph taken/used as part of this study.
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The above information has been explained to me, and all my current questions have been answered. I understand that I am encouraged to ask questions, voice concerns, or complaints about any aspect of this research study, and that such future questions, concerns, or complaints will be answered by a qualified individual. I understand that I may contact the Human Subjects Protection Advocate of the Human Research Protection office, University of Pittsburgh
(1-866-212-2668) to discuss problems, concerns, and questions; obtain information; offer input; or discuss situations in the event that the research team is unavailable.
By signing this form, I agree to allow my picture to be taken and used for purposes including, but not limited to, this research study and publications, presentations, websites, etc.
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[Adult Consent]
Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _________
[Parental Consent]
I understand that, as a minor (age less than 18 years), the below-named child is not permitted to participate in this research study without my consent. Therefore, by signing this form, I give my consent for his/her participation by having their photograph taken and/or used as part of this research study.
Parent’s Name (Print): ___________________________ Relationship to Child: ______________
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________
[Youth Assent]
This research has been explained to me, and I agree to participate.
Child’s Name (Print): ___________________________
Child’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________
10/9/2026