Forensic and crime scene photography, also known as forensic photography, is a photographic record of a crime scene and the initial appearance of the setting as evidence which may be used by a court of law and forensic investigators. It is used as a record to help determine the events of a crime. This commercial genre of photography is somewhat related to scientific photography.
Photographing and recording a crime scene is one of the first events that are initiated after the scene has been secured. The photography of the scene includes not only the direct crime scene and all elements within it but also includes the general area around the scene.
This could include nearby alleyways, streets, footprints, vehicle tracks, dropped items, rubbish bins and virtually any other item that may be of interest to the investigation.
FORENSIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY CAN BE A THANKLESS TASK
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Unaltered scenes in forensic photography
Crime scene photography must capture the scene in a completely unaltered state. Although, there will often be times where a witness has walked into the scene or inadvertently (or deliberately) interfered with evidence or unintentionally altered the site before the scene has been secured by investigators. Items within the scene may be photographed individually or as a group such as a collection of bullet casings or footprints.
A crime scene is often forensically photographed with overlapping photos with and without evidence markers and scale markers. This provides investigators with a detailed map of the scene when reviewing evidence. A scale and bright yellow numbered evidence markers will be placed throughout the scene. They are placed at important evidence points across the area. Each evidence marker will correspond to notations made throughout the investigation.
Forensic photography is one of the most important aspects of crime scene investigation. It is a permanent record of a scene after an event and as such the photographs are a vital part of the evidence chain.
Techniques
Unique techniques are sometimes used in forensic crime scene photography. It is common for photographic evidence being required at dark and unlit crime scenes. One technique that can be used (apart from the use of portable lighting) is to take long exposures of the scene and use a handheld flash that is set off at various points that will highlight the scene, however this is more suited to the old style of 35mm film photography. Depending on the circumstances, scenes may be secured during the night then photographed at first light or photographed immediately with the assistance of portable lighting.
Forensic photography is a permanent record
Forensic photography is one of the most important aspects of crime scene investigation. It is a permanent record of a scene after an event and as such the photographs are a vital part of the evidence chain. Crime scene photographs are used regularly in court proceedings so a robust chain of record should be kept with each album of photographs including time, date, chain of command and security procedures in relation to securing access to the photographs by representatives of the forensic agency.
Lossless capture
Digital imagery of forensics must be captured in a lossless format. Lossless means that no part of the image should be lost through digital compression. RAW and TIFF digital images are regarded as lossless records. We have not been able to determine whether RAW and TIFF formats are the only accepted forms of evidence within the law enforcement and court spectrum, however, we suspect JPG may also be accepted due to the plethora of phone camera images used in courts of law for convictions across the world.
Tripod and remote shutter
The use of a tripod will be necessary in many situations, especially where there is low light. A remote shutter (either tethered or wireless) will be required to limit camera shake.
Aperture
Aperture settings will be pivotal for forensic photography. An aperture of f/2.8 will have a very shallow depth of field when photographing objects at close range, however an aperture of f/11 will have a much deeper depth of field. All scenes must be captured with as much clarity as possible, so higher apertures (f/8 to f/22) should be considered.
Flash
Bounced or diffused flash is far more effective than the harsh light projected from direct unfiltered flash, especially on reflective surfaces such as car parts, wet surfaces, and white objects.
Scale markers
Scale markers are a tool that is like a ruler, but with a lot more detailed distance and shape marked onto the tool. They can be either straight or an L-shape. Where required the markers are placed alongside site evidence during forensic photography.
Portfolio
Forensic images are not likely to be able to be displayed publicly on a website, but if you want to create a website for display to potential clients you could use generic images that you have take, and NOT of actual crime scenes.
NOTE: Photographs used in this article on forensic and crime scene photography are staged. They are NOT of an actual crime scene.
Forensic photography can be unnerving!
Unparalleled care must be taken not to disturb a crime scene.