This exciting second edition provides an overview of the field of visual research by drawing on the contributions of traditions as diverse as semiotics, ethnomethodology, symbolic interactionism and material culture studies and by demonstrating their potential application for the visual researcher. The book first covers traditional themes in visual research along with current trends in the field. It goes on to show how visual research should also embrace the analysis of everyday objects, places and forms of interactions through its discussion of 2D and 3D visual data and both lived and living visual data. A brand new chapter on virtual visual data adds another dimension to this comprehensive book. The new edition includes fully updated exercises which show students how 'low-tech, low-budget' visual research can provide methodologically sophisticated ways of testing and developing cultural theory. The book also addresses the ethical considerations that are relevant to visual researchers. Generously illustrated with images and diagrams, this new edition is the perfect companion to those doing visual research projects and writing dissertations and theses.