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• Forensic photography methods


  • Allows you to maximize the shot
  • Can't move the object or change a lot of things
  • Allows you to capture the information of the image that you need
• General methods for all photographs

  Must contain three elements: the subject, scale, and a reference object
• Example of a good photograph

  • Footprint with scale and reference object
• The website at the bottom of the image was active at the time of videotaping
• The website allows you to print out something like the reference object to include in images
• What should crime scene photographs contain

  • In focus
  • Main object within the photograph
  • Contain a scale or ruler
  • Accurate representation of the scene
• Photograph 2 is the correct representation, not photograph 1
• Photograph 1 has too much light, losing detail
• Photograph 2 captures more detail and scale
• Photographic log


  Should contain the date, time, subject matter, and who took the pictures<|>Must be maintained in order and as part of the examination record
• Camera settings


  • ISO, shutter speed, and aperture
• Aperture


  Extent of sharpness in the image<|>Smaller aperture = further depth of field, larger aperture = more focus on closer objects
• Shutter speed


  Length of time the sensor is exposed to light<|>Faster shutter speed can stop motion, slower shutter speed blurs motion
• ISO


  Camera sensor sensitivity to light<|>Higher ISO allows more light but can introduce noise and distortion
• Adjusting shutter speed


  Impacts image clarity and brightness
• Adjusting aperture


  Impacts focus and depth of field
• Flash photography


  • White balance should mimic daylight
  • Avoid direct flash to prevent reflections
  • Bounce flash off ceiling or other surface