ABSTRACT

For decades, many documentary photographers and photojournalists have consistently produced stigmatizing images of injection drug users. These images have helped shape the perceptions of decision makers and the public about drug users, harm reduction and healthcare for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This chapter focuses on a research study that I conducted from 2014 to 2015 involving documentary photography and photo-elicitation aimed at disrupting hegemonic representations of chronic heroin users in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).