On the "Doing" of Visual Research on Borders and Migration: Collaboration between Professional Photographers, Social Scientists and Subjects

Conceptual and theoretical contributions to border studies have advanced alongside photography; however, incorporating research on the visual aspects of border studies is in need of attention at present. Among photographers, social scientists, and their participant subjects, collaborative fieldwork is certainly conducive to a dialogical approach, one in which partners might work collectively towards new conceptualizations on borders and migration. This paper points to a number of practical issues that need to be addressed during the preparation, undertaking, and dissemination of collaborative fieldwork and research. Although legal and ethical considerations are shown to work alongside institutional and market criteria, especially in limiting the practice of visual research on borders and migration, the participation of professional photographers in fieldwork can advance a critical re-reading of border studies in concept and theory.