1. Introduction to Forensic Science
Forensic Photography

2. Forensic Photography
Each crime scene has unique characteristics and the type of photographs necessary will be determined at the scene by the investigator
A picture does tell the viewer many stories. The pictures you take will be submitted into court as evidence and your testimony and pictures will be entered into the trial record.

3. Basic Photography Equipment
Camera
Electronic flash
Film
Normal lens
Remote for electronic flash
Owner's manuals
Wide angle lens
Extra batteries
Notebook and pen
Close-up lenses
Locking cable release
Ruler
Flashlight
Gray card
Index cards
Filters
Tripod
Felt pen

4. Care and Maintenance Cleaning lens and camera Camera repair
Protection from extreme heat and cold
Protection from rain

5. Film Color film Black & White film Print film vs. slide film
Film speed

6. Requirements by Crime Types
Homicide inside a residence
Use color film
Take pictures of the following
Exterior of the building
Evidence outside the building
Entrance into the scene
Room in which the body was found
Adjacent rooms, hallways, stairwells
Body from five angles

7. Homicide Photography Close-up of body wounds Trace evidence Weapons
Evidence of a struggle
Signs of activity prior to the homicide
View from positions witnesses had at time of the crime

8. Suicide Photography Photograph the scene as if it were a homicide
Take close up shots of wounds, ligature marks, overdose and self-induced deaths
Photograph weapon used
Document from all angles

9. Burglary Photography Exterior of building Point of entry
Interior views
Area from which valuables were removed      
Trace evidence       
Other physical evidence
Damage to locks, safe, doors, tool marks
Articles or tools left at the scene by the suspect 

10. Assault and Injury Photography
Photographing injuries
Face of victim in the photographs
Bruises
Bite marks

11. Bite Mark Photography Orientation shot
Close-up at 90-degree angle to avoid distortion
Ruler in same plane as bite mark
Focus carefully
Bracket exposures

12. Traffic Accidents Photographs at the accident scene
Where the vehicles came to rest and in what position
Damage to vehicles
Do not take any oblique or corner photographs

13. Traffic Accident Photographs
Take six photographs
Two from each side in line with the axles
Take one of each end of the vehicle, straight on
If possible, take one more from overhead

14. Traffic Accident Photography
Debris or skid marks on the roadway
View each driver had approaching the key point of the accident
View from the point a witness observed the accident, at witness' eye level
Evidence to identify hit and run vehicles
Night Photography
Use multiple flash, paint with light, or available light for extra long skid marks
Or to show two vehicles some distance apart

15. Autopsy
Pictures are taken of wounds, scratches, marks, tattoos and other identifying marks
Pictures are not usually taken during the autopsy
An overhead picture is taken of the body before the autopsy
The deceased is placed in a room for removal of important evidence found on the body

16. The Purpose of Photographs
Record the original scene
Record the initial appearance of physical evidence
Pictures will provide you with a permanent visual record of how the scene appeared initially, the position of the body, and all evidentiary items

17. The Purpose of Photographs
It helps to show and tell the story to the jury and the courtroom participants
In order for the court to accept these pictures, you must be guided by the rules of evidence and the proper submission of this evidence

18. Use of Photographs in Court
The picture must be relevant and material to the case at hand
Photos of brutal killings must not be merely presented as evidence, but should be presented in such a way to acutely affect the emotions of the jury
You do not have to be an professional photographer to present a photograph in court, e.g. Mr. George Holliday, the video cameraman in the Rodney King beating case

19. General Crime Scene Photography
Secure the scene
Take preliminary notes
Take a photo overview of scene (to show the scene exactly as it was when you first saw it)
Make a basic sketch
Record each item of evidence
If items have been moved before you arrived, do not try to reconstruct the scene as it was initially
The photograph should depict the crime scene exactly as you found it

20. Major Crime Scene Photography
Good communication between you and other investigators is important
Do not destroy evidence as you move about the scene

21. Outdoor Pictures
Take a photo of the building where the crime occurred. This may entail a large area
Aerial shots would be useful in some cases
The original series of photos should show all doors, windows and other means of entrance or exit

22. Indoor Pictures Take a photo of the entrance
Take photographs of the scene, as it appears when you first enter a room
Move around the room to get photographs of each entire wall, making sure to get items of evidence in these photos
Include photos of the other rooms connected with the actual crime scene

23. Digital Photography
Digital photography can aid the investigator in many ways
Provides instant access to viewing photos
Documents how and when images were captured, processed and stored

24. Digital Imaging Technology
Digital imaging technology has brought powerful new tools to law enforcement
Through the use of Adobe Photoshop, Pat Wertheim, a fingerprint examiner from the Arizona State
Crime Lab, gave jurors a computer slide show on fingerprint analysis and showed them ridge by ridge how the prints from Westerfield’s RV identically matched Danielle van Dam’s fingerprints.

25. Drawbacks to Digital Photography
Digital images are sometimes not as clear or sharp as traditional images
Battery life is short
Image authenticity may be questioned in court

26. Photographing Fingerprints
Photography any fingerprint before lifting it
Use the following equipment:
One-to-one camera and copy stand
35 mm with macro or close-up lenses
Place a scale in the photograph

27. Digital Photos as Evidence in Court
Admissibility
Are subject to inspection for image manipulation
State and Federal laws vary
Public Safety agencies must set policy for use of digital cameras
Requirements of photos
Relevant
Authentic

28. Department Policy Development
Develop Standard Operating Procedure
Maintain the integrity of chain of custody
Preserve original image
Preserve in original file format
Review your case before you arrive at the court