Pictures and processes: The use of autophotography to illustrate the experience of physical activity engagement in motherhood

Abstract

We discuss using the qualitative arts-based method of autophotography by sharing our experiences conducting three studies with postpartum women as they navigated the psychosocial challenges of physical activity (PA) engagement. In working with this population, we used autophotography in conjunction with feminist theory by centering participants’ voices, highlighting the presence of the gendered expectations of motherhood in PA engagement, and providing tools for transformation and empowerment. Throughout our paper, we reflect on the process of conducting autophotography in our studies with postpartum women and theorize how this method provided an important medium for mothers to share their voices and stories.