Photography

Question 1

What is the role of John Aitkenhead in the crime scene investigation?

Answer 1

Retired OPP forensic Identification Sergeant who testified about the evidence found at the Aino Beach Road home

He presented a series of photographs taken of the scene.

Question 2

What items were seized and photographed from the Aino Beach Road home?

Answer 2

Blue jeans, a white T-shirt, a right-foot work boot, and a right-foot black shoe with reddish staining

The reddish staining was noted during the testimony.

Question 3

Define scene photos in the context of crime scene photography.

Answer 3

General photos taken of the scene prior to processing that show everything as found

They paint a picture of the scene as discovered by the forensic unit.

Question 4

Define exhibit photos.

Answer 4

Specific photos of an exhibit/object that follow a defined process and typically consist of a series of four photos

They document the area where the exhibit should be in scene photos.

Question 5

True or False: A crime scene photographer needs to be a professional photographer.

Answer 5

False

They need to be competent with a camera and should have formal training for court purposes.

Question 6

What should a photographer assess before starting to photograph a crime scene?

Answer 6

Is the scene safe to photo? What PPE precautions do you need to take? Do you have lawful authority to be in the scene? What type of scene is it?

These considerations are crucial for safety and legality.

Question 7

Describe the method of photographing crime scenes.

Answer 7

Photograph the scene from many directions and angles to show layout, position of evidence, and spatial relationships

Photographs are important for further analysis and may be used in court.

Question 8

What is the sequence for photographing a crime scene?

Answer 8

Overall scene first, then individual pieces of evidence

This logical succession helps relate evidence back to the larger scene.

Question 9

List the four types of photographs required for a specific item of evidence.

Answer 9

• Overall photograph
• Mid-range photograph
• Close-up photograph
• Close-up photograph with a scale

Each type serves a specific purpose in documenting the evidence.

Question 10

What type of camera is typically used for crime scene photography?

Answer 10

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera

This type allows what is seen through the viewfinder to be how the photo will turn out.

Question 11

What is a Charge Coupled Device (CCD)?

Answer 11

The digital equivalent of film that contains millions of silicon photo sensors

Each photo sensor is a pixel or picture element.

Question 12

What are the characteristics of JPEG file format?

Answer 12

Fast, ‘lossy’ format that loses some quality each time opened/closed

It is the most common image format used in digital cameras.

Question 13

What is the purpose of exposure in photography?

Answer 13

To control the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor

A balanced exposure is crucial for image quality.

Question 14

What does aperture control in photography?

Answer 14

The size of the opening in the camera lens through which light passes

It is indicated as an f/number or f-stop.

Question 15

How does shutter speed affect exposure?

Answer 15

It determines the length of time the camera shutter is open, affecting light exposure

Longer shutter speeds allow more light; shorter speeds allow less.

Question 16

What is ASA/ISO in photography?

Answer 16

A numerical rating that describes the sensitivity to light of CCD/film

It brightens a photo after the sensor has been exposed to light.

Question 17

Define depth of field.

Answer 17

The distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that appear acceptably sharp

It is controlled by the aperture selection.

Question 18

What does focal length determine in photography?

Answer 18

The angle of view and the magnification of the scene captured

Longer focal lengths result in narrower angles of view.

Question 19

What is TTL Flash Metering?

Answer 19

A mode on the camera where a pre-flash occurs to measure light for exposure calculation

It is not visible to the human eye in front sync mode.

Question 20

What is the purpose of direct flash in photography?

Answer 20

To point the flash directly at the subject/item being photographed

This technique can create harsh lighting.

Question 21

What is oblique flash used for?

Answer 21

To photograph impression evidence by creating shadows on the surface

It is held at an angle to the subject being photographed.

Question 22

How should photographs of footwear impressions be taken?

Answer 22

First without scale, then with scale, ensuring the scale is at the same level as the impression

Flash should be angled to capture detail.

Question 23

What is the approach to photographing assault victims?

Answer 23

Start with overall photos, then mid-range, followed by close-ups of injuries

It is important to maintain the victim’s privacy and dignity.

Question 24

What are the steps involved in photographing vehicles?

Answer 24

• Start with the exterior
• Photograph each side, corner, license plate, VIN, and decals
• Capture the interior systematically

Includes documenting any damage or custom accessories.

Question 25

What is the purpose of video in crime scene photography?

Answer 25

To provide a quick overview of a complex scene and tie parts of a scene together

It should not be narrated and needs to be done well.

Question 26

What is the recommended approach for taking crime scene photos?

Answer 26

Take as many photos as needed, better too many than too few

Time at the scene may be a limiting factor.

Question 27

What is the purpose of photographing a crime scene?

Answer 27

To preserve how the scene looked before evidence is moved

Capturing the scene is critical as once evidence is moved, it cannot be photographed again.

Question 28

How many photos should be taken at a crime scene?

Answer 28

As many as needed, better too many than too few

Time at a scene is limited, so capturing ample photos is crucial.

Question 29

What conditions can affect crime scene photography?

Answer 29

Weather and lighting

These conditions guide the technique and camera settings used.

Question 30

What are some key questions to consider before photographing a crime scene?

Answer 30

• What is the purpose of photographing this scene?
• Does the object have a relationship to the overall scene?
• Will it be properly exposed?
• Is the correct equipment being used?

These questions help ensure effective documentation of the scene.

Question 31

What is the importance of correct exposure in crime scene photography?

Answer 31

To capture detail in all parts of a scene, including highlights and shadows

Underexposed areas lose detail in shadows; overexposed areas lose detail in highlights.

Question 32

What is required for sharp focus in photographs?

Answer 32

• Keep the camera steady
• Use a tripod if shutter speed is longer than 1/60th sec
• Focus carefully
• Use maximum depth of field

Sharp focus is essential for clear evidence documentation.

Question 33

What is the methodical approach to photographing a crime scene?

Answer 33

• Show the overall scene
• Show the location of evidence
• Show detail with close-up photographs

Always work from the outside of the scene to the inside.

Question 34

What should be included in overall scene photographs taken outside?

Answer 34

• Identifiers like street signs
• Surrounding area
• All doors, windows, and entrances

These elements establish the location of the crime scene.

Question 35

What are mid-range exhibit photographs used for?

Answer 35

To show a piece of evidence in relation to other nearby items

They help differentiate similar looking pieces of evidence.

Question 36

What should close-up photographs include?

Answer 36

• Item as found
• Label and/or scale
• Ruler and label for comparison purposes

Close-ups should capture finer details and be taken from a stable position.

Question 37

What points must be remembered when photographing a crime scene?

Answer 37

• Start from the outside and work in
• Ensure correct exposure and focus
• Avoid distortion
• Photograph the surface area beneath a body after removal

These points enhance the quality and accuracy of crime scene photographs.

Question 38

What are the three major points of qualification for photographic evidence in court?

Answer 38

• Photo contents must be relevant
• Must not be prejudicial to court or jury
• Must be free from distortion

These criteria ensure that photographic evidence is admissible in court.

Question 39

True or False: Manipulated images are allowed in court as evidence.

Answer 39

False

Only enhanced images are allowed, not those that have been altered.

Question 40

What is the difference between enhancement and manipulation in photography?

Answer 40

• Enhancement improves the value or quality
• Manipulation changes the photo for personal purposes

Enhancement is acceptable while manipulation is not allowed in court.

Question 41

What should be taken into account when comparing photographs?

Answer 41

• Attention to detail
• Framing the subject
• Quality of exposure and balance

Proper attention leads to better photographic results.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: Photographs must be _____ exposed, with maximum depth of field.

Answer 42

[correctly]

This is essential for accurate documentation of the crime scene.