In an attempt to gain a clearer view of adventure culture, the nature of this research is an autoethnographic analysis of my adventure experiences through visual depictions of places of importance to me. My reflections as the primary participant in a qualitative analysis on reflection and place as a vessel for identity formation serve as the subject for the application of social science research methods. This research paper explores the use of visual reflection using photo-elicitation in an autoethnographic context. Results suggest that reflecting on place through photo elicitation enables a deeper reflection and easier interpretation with a visual aid to elicit emotions, memories, and learnings from past adventure experiences. Both the images and the reflection serve as data contributions to adventure culture and identity. My reflection shows that place attachments and meanings can be social, nature-based, activity-dependent, and interrelated and participation in adventure tourism activities creates place meaning through social, activity and nature-based interactions that define my adventure identity.Additionally, accomplishments and challenging experiences elicited through the visuals prove the most significant to the formation of my adventure identity.When combined, a holistic understanding of this research emerges in which I use photographs to reflect on and analyze the contribution place has made to my adventure identity.
