In recent decades, the use of photography in social research has had a prominent place. Photography allows observe, analyze and theorize the social reality. More specifically, the image as data helps contextualize the observed and enables deeper into less visible aspects in other recording modes observed. This article aims to make a theoretical approach to the use of photography in social research, show the diverse perspectives of analysis in reference to the visual as representation of social reality, and discuss ethical and methodological aspects related to the inclusion of material photo in empirical studies. In the first section, we make a brief theoretical look at the rise of photography and social condition. Then we delve on the use of image in social research and techniques most frequently used and, finally, we will reflect on ethical issues and analysis tools of visual content.
