ABSTRACT
Visual research methods should be used to study religion because the photography and sociology tools engage researchers, participants, and audiences in compelling ways. The interests in culture and behavior shared by visual sociology and sociology of religion present an opportunity to bring theory and method to bear on common lines of inquiry in new and productive ways. Visual methods are useful in helping people to see the features of social life and culture that may otherwise be invisible, such as religion and spirituality. Photovoice uses the immediacy of the visual image to furnish evidence and to promote an effective, participatory means of sharing expertise and knowledge. Images are everywhere, and everyone, from school-aged children to professionals schooled in digital media production, is making them. Digital cameras record countless photographs and videos, which are disseminated across media sharing platforms such as Flickr, Picasa, Instagram, and YouTube.
