Forensic Photography Flashcards
IMPORTANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
- Permanent Record
- Significance of certain aspects of the crime of scene
- Reconstruction of the crime scene
________ is the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (as film or an optical sensor).
Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
The word photography is derived from two Greek words photos (____) and graphos (______).
Literally, photography means “_______”
light
chart or drawing or writing
to draw with light
deals with the study of notion of photography its application to law enforcement work and the preparation of photographic evidence for court presentation
FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
refers to a venue or place from which most physical evidence associated with crime will be obtained.
Crime Scene
PHOTOGRAPHING CRIME SCENE
Over-all photographs
Mid-range photographs
Close-up photographs
Aerial/overhead photographs, if possible
Over-all photographs
Take extreme close-up, if necessary
Close-up photographs
To show the scene exactly as it was found
- Take overall photographs of the area surrounding the scene.
- Encompass the entire large scene, be overlapping and/or aerial/overhead view.
- Represent a 360-degree perspective and include a landmark.
- Include identifying marks, such as name of the building, house number or license plate of the vehicle. - Overall photos may also encompass smaller “sub-scenes” that exist within the larger scene.
- After the scene is photographed as found, take additional shots with case identifier.
- Take note of the related information while taking photographs of a scene.
- Specify the changes you made to a scene while taking photographs, such as when a light was turned on or object were moved (e.g. drowning).
- Note taking should occur throughout the photography session.
- Finish note taking at the scene.
ovel-all photographs
- Exterior of the building where the crime occurred and in some cases the whole locale.
- Aerial photographs of the scene and the surrounding area can be useful in some types of cases.
- Original series of photographs (overlapping shots) should also show all doors, windows and other means of entrance or exit.
Over-all photographs
Outside the scene
- Take midrange photographs before & after _________
It is important to take photographs that establish the relationships of objects or reference points in the scene. - Take close-up photographs immediately after taking the midrange photograph, when appropriate.
- Take photographs of transient evidence from a position that:
Shows the spatter relative to other objects in the area; and
Is perpendicular to the spatter.
Midrange photograph
placing case identifier or ruler.
- Photograph fingerprint/footprint/shoeprint/tire track evidence.
- When the photograph needs to be accurately scaled:
- The ruler must be on the same plane as the impression.
- The camera lens must be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the subject.
- Use a level and tripod to position the camera accurately. - Take multiple shots with the light or flash at different angles, such as 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 45 degrees, etc. to achieve the best possible photographs.
Close-up photographs
Shoe print or tire impression should be photographed ___ the addition of a scale or label.
before
Adjust lighting when photographing the wounds/bruises to obtain the best contrast and result.
Take multiple shots with the light held or placed at different angles to the subject in order to achieve the best results.
Retake photographs of wounds such as bruises at different intervals to _______, such as in color, over several days.
capture changes
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOMICIDE
- Exterior of the building
- Evidence outside the building
- Entrance into the scene
- Room in which the body was found
- Adjoining rooms, hallways, stairwells
- Body from different angles
- Close-up of the face and body wounds
- Weapons
- Trace evidence
- Signs of activity prior to the homicide
- Evidence of a struggle
- View from positions witnesses had at time of the crime
- Autopsy