Basic Law Enforcement Photography and Video Flashcards
What are two types of cameras?
Point and Shoot
SLR (Single Lens Reflex)
What is the “P” mode?
Programmed automatic mode. Semi-auto mode in which the photographer controls ONLY the flash function , and the camera controls the remaining settings.
What is Marco Mode?
Both Point and Shoot and SLR cameras tend to have this option. Macro is used for close-up photographs, such as finger prints. Normally represented by a flower icon.
What is Aperture mode?
Photographer controls the aperture, and the other functions are automatically controlled by the camera. This mode is typically not available for most Point and Shoot cameras.
What is the minimum recommended megapixel standard for cameras used for Law Enforcement purposes?
6 megapixels.
What are the four basic factors that affect photographic images?
LISA Light Iso Shutter Speed Aperture
What are two types of light sources?
Natural light
Artificial light
What is shutter speed?
Mounted inside the camera body is the camera’s shutter curtain. This curtain controls the duration of time that light is permitted to strike sensor. This curtain can be control either by the camera’s shutter release button, a self -timer, or a remote control.
What is the minimum shutter speed for handheld photography?
1/60th per second
What shutter speed should you use to stop motion of walking or running subject?
1/60th-250th
What shutter speed should you use to stop motion of a moving vehicle?
1/500th-1/4000th
What is Aperture?
A physical opening in a camera lens or optical instrument that allows light to pass through.
What is ISO?
The sensitivity of the camera’s sensitivity to available light. ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. This is the setting in the camera that is adjusted for low-light dynamic surveillance operations.
What ISO setting causes the camera’s sensor to be MORE sensitive to light?
Higher ISO (400-H1) Perform better in low light conditions.
What ISO setting causes the camera’s sensor to be LESS sensitive to light?
LOWER ISO (100-200) Requires more light in the environmet
What should be done before handling or moving physical evidence?
Should be photographically documented.
Crime scene photos should…
speak for themselves if they are good, should require very little testimony by the investigator.
Is it ok to delete photos?
No
What are the three photographic perspectives in crime scene photography?
Overall
Intermediate/Mid range
Close-ups
What is the “overall” photographic perspective?
The physical location of the crime scene, (The big picture) (Tell a story) (overlapping coverage) search warrant , or event should be photographed to allow the viewer to recognize where the crime was committed or where the event took place in relation to adjacent structures.
What is the “intermediate/midrange” perspective?
This perspective is critical to illustrate exactly where physical evidence is contained within a scene. Without this perspective, close up photos of individual items of evidence have diminished value because they have not been properly related to the scene.
What is the “close-up” perspective?
Isolated compositions of individual items of evidence that could be used as exhibits in court.
Full Frame
90 degree angle
Composition
1 mega pixel = how many million pixels?
1 million
What are markers and scales for?
They can be introduced into the scene after documenting the scene in pristine condition. These are not included into the earlier perspectives because their introduction could render an inaccurate depiction of how the scene looked when it was initially discovered.
What are the three camera moves Law Enforcement uses?
Pan
Tilt
Zoom
Should you walk while recording?
No. Record only when not moving. Recording should be slow and deliberate.
When should video recording be done?
Prior to searching the scene or moving evidence.
Surveillance
Mode: P ISO: Sun: 100+, Night: 800+ Lens: 105+ Focus: A/M Meter: Matrix Spot
Crime Scene (Documentation)
Mode: P ISO: 100-400 Lens: 18-55 Focus: A Meter: Matrix
Exam Quality (Forensic)
Mode: A/M ISO: 100 ONLY Lens: MACRO 60/105 Focus: M Meter: Matrix
