ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the author's use of ethnographic photography and participatory photography, with some reflections and practical guidance for researchers thinking about incorporating similar methods in their research. It presents a few thoughts on the meaning of ‘everyday’ security and (in)visibility in security politics. By focusing on security practices that take place openly in public spaces, the chapter challenges the ongoing link between security and secrecy. The vast majority of the academic literature on Chinese security politics focuses primarily on foreign policy, China’s relations with other states, or the armed forces. Some of the photographs and experiences overlapped with the author's own: security check-points and street side security personnel featured in many images. Critical security studies originates largely from the study of Western political systems and cultures and tends to take the meaning of security for granted. When security studies has engaged with everyday practices, it has largely focused on the daily practices of security professionals.
