Framing migration: Photography, refugees and new pathways for visual storytelling for humanitarian NGO’S

Gormley, Anna 2025. Framing migration: Photography, refugees and new pathways for visual storytelling for humanitarian NGO’S. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis focuses on the process of image-making in the space of migration. It has been designed to investigate how NGOs create, curate and convey imagery to represent refugee and people seeking asylum’s experience of migration. It was designed to understand (from various viewpoints) how NGOs create imagery to represent the experience of migration to bridge a perceived gap in literature in this area. The thesis uses the ‘humanitarian framework’ to describe the frequent use of strategies (e.g., captioning, tight framing, singular images of need or aid) by NGOs in their communication materials. Informed by the work of Ariella Azoulay (2008 & 2014), the thesis foregrounds consideration of this framework through questions exploring what types of images are being made, the experience of staff and refugees in creating these images, and alternative ideas for how they could be made differently. It also considered how the production of photography for humanitarian purposes can be reimagined. The research design employed three qualitative mixed methods; semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation. Research is presented in two case studies; the first, focuses on the border in Northern France, with communication staff of NGOs working in the field. The second, looks at how images are being made to represent migration in the UK, with refugees and people seeking asylum supported by the British Red Cross. Through these case studies, the thesis draws important insights into how images are being made and demonstrates how the controls placed on what is and is not pictured in Calais and the UK ultimately mean that the images produced are not effective outside of the humanitarian framework (Azoulay, 2014). This means that the final visualisations created do not activate in the viewer an understanding of the complexity of the individuals, their situation or the wider political context. The parallel themes outlined within the chapters point to critical areas that need reconsideration to move forward and beyond the humanitarian framework that even more creative, collaborative attempts at visualising migration have failed to do. The thesis contributes to this critical area of study by offering first hand evidence, and practical and theoretical outputs. It makes the case for an urgent rethinking of approaches to image making in this area.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Journalism, Media and Culture
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
Funders:	ESRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 August 2026
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 08:42
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188588

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