Photography | Forensic Photography

Forensic photographer appears in every crime investigation. They require sharp eyes for detail and the patience of the job in
the hustle and bustle that never fails to happen as the latest crime scene gets tagged, bagged and labelled. Aside from dusting the crime scene,
taking fingerprints and bagging evidence carefully to bring to the forensics lab and later to the Courtroom, forensic photography is a very important part of every
crime investigation. The photographs taken at the crime scene will be used later as evidence in Court.
Take Pictures Of The Crime Scene
The forensic photographer will take pictures of the crime scene and its surroundings, and logs in these images, which may have been overlooked
or forgotten. For example, the suspected person in the first row of the onlookers, that broken piece of glass near the drain. The busy Police
Officer might have not noticed it, but the camera lens has picked
it up.
Sharpness Of The Pictures Is Critical In Forensic Photography
One of the most important factors in Forensic Photography is the sharpness of
the images taken. It has to be really sharp and clear. Any pixilation or fuzziness of the pictures taken may deem the photographs useless
to the Court and the Investigators. The entire case may rests with Forensic Photography and any flaw however small, could cost a court case
to be lost.
Taking First Round Pictures In Forensic Photography Is Important

Never, ever disturb the actual crime scene. The first round of pictures has to be taken before anything has been touched, added, removed or
altered. It is the freeze frame of the actual Crime Scene. It will be the closest you will ever get at the crime scene. So make sure you plan
what photographs to take before you snap it. Later, if you must make small adjustments, like adding a measuring tool to show the distance is
permissible, but only after the first go over.
Take A Complete Set Of Pictures Of The Crime Scene
Make sure you get a complete set of photographs of the crime scene. Those should include a close-up, a mid distance range and a wide angle.
The angle you take is very important. If you use the wrong point of view you may easily misrepresent the relationship of the actual distance
between the objects etc. Keep in mind that your pictures have to show exactly what is set out before you.
Record Everything In Writing
You will also need to record everything in writing. Mark out specific items that are necessary but never mark on the photographs itself. For
that purpose, it is always good to use an overlay that you can remove as when needed. Transparency paper can be used for that purpose.
Techniques And Equipment In Forensic Photography
Make sure your lighting and
exposure is set appropriately. There are a lot of excellent books available that can teach you how to set your exposure with the correct
lighting, background and scenario. This will help you take the perfect pictures needed. The photographs may not turn out perfect if your
equipment is not in tiptop condition. Make sure that your lenses are clean and well kept at all times.
No smutches, fingerprints etc. The entire point of forensic photography is to capture those small seemingly unnoticeable points that may
often be overlooked.
Make Yourself A Checklist
It is good if you make yourself a checklist and write down even the most common sense items on your checklist. Your checklist should include
items like batteries, films, brush, tripod, lenses, covers, cleaning cloth, transparencies, markers, etc. You will be surprised sometimes even
the best professional Forensic Photographer may make simple mistake that could have been prevented by jogging down on a checklist. Remember the
victim is counting and depending on you too.

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