Table of ContentsForensic PhotographyEquipment Required for PhotographyFiltersElectronic FlashRemote Sync Cord for Electronic FlashExtra Batteries for Camera and Electronic FlashCable Lock ReleaseTripodFilmPhoto Journal , notebook and pen Color chart or color control patches Flashlight Importance of forensic photography in crime scene investigation Preservation and recording methods Conclusion Works Cited Forensic photography Forensic photography is nothing but photography crime scene. Reproducing and reconstructing a crime scene is an important aspect of solving a crime. These images are analyzed to reconstruct the crime scene. Crime scene or accident photographers generally capture images in color but also in black and white. Forensic photography is an important subject for criminal investigations. Forensic photography could be described as a combination of visual understanding and criminal nature. Forensic photography paves the way to justice, with the help of technological advancements and recording of the visuals is used as evidence. Thus, the importance of forensic photography is discussed in this essay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayThe use of photography in recording a crime scene is very important and has become an essential part of the investigative process. Along with witness statements, officer reports, and other physical evidence provided by the crime scene itself, photography is used to provide an accurate narrative that cannot be altered. Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) are responsible for recording the scene of a crime through various means; one of the most common of these is photography. Forensic science covers the branch of forensic photography that encompasses the documentation of suspected and convicted criminals, as well as crime scenes, victims, and other evidence necessary to establish a conviction. Although photography was widely recognized as the most accurate means of depicting and documenting people and objects, it was not until the late 19th century that it became widely accepted as a means of medical identification. legal. Forensic photographs are used for measurement or analysis purposes, to accompany forensic reports, articles or research papers. Forensic photography is an integral part of criminal investigation procedures used by police and security forces around the world. Photographers must therefore follow a standard methodology and produce images of a rigorous technical standard so that they can be used as evidence in hearings, courts, and legal proceedings. Since the subject matter often involves accident, injury or criminal investigations, forensic photographers will need to be able to work effectively in distressing and difficult environments, without disturbing other evidence or interfering with the work of other investigators. Forensic photography is a fascinating field of work that suits highly organized photographers who combine excellent technical skills with a methodical and meticulous work practice. Although it is the responsibility of many other photographers to interpret a brief, it is the responsibility of the forensic photographer to produce accurate, detailed photographs that faithfully record the location and evidence as clearly andobjectively as possible. Forensic photographers produce a permanent visual record of accident scenes and crime scenes to use as evidence in court. They must be able to produce detailed records of all evidence available at the scene, including overview photographs as well as precise images of tire marks, fingerprints, footprints, blood spatters, bullet holes and other unique evidence at the scene. They must also be able to take detailed photographs of injuries sustained in accidents or assaults and may also be required to photograph dead bodies. Much of the work is routine, but photographing crime scenes and traffic accidents, or visiting patients in hospital, can be emotionally taxing. Equipment Required for Photography The following items must be available to the crime scene photographer in order to photograph most scenes and evidence: Camera – Most crime scene photographers use a high quality digital camera or a 35mm camera. Digital cameras with image sensors of ten megapixels or larger and manual exposure settings (in addition to any automatic or programmed exposure modes) are generally suitable for photographing crime scenes and evidence. Normal lens – A normal lens provides the best perspective for most photographs. . A 50mm lens is considered a normal lens for a 35mm camera. Wide Angle Lens – A wide angle lens is necessary for photographing small rooms or other restricted areas. A 28mm lens is considered a wide angle lens for a 35mm camera. Close-up lens or close-up accessories – Most normal lenses don't focus closer than about three feet. A macro lens or close-up attachment for the normal lens is necessary for photographing small pieces of evidence. Close-up accessories include 1:1 adapters, extension tubes, bellows, inversion rings or close-up filters. FiltersA polarizing filter is often necessary for photographing through glass and in water. Colored filters (red, orange, yellow, blue, and green) are useful when photographing certain types of evidence with black and white film. Electronic Flash The electronic flash provides supplemental light that is often needed when photographing indoors, outdoors at night, filling in shadows in daylight scenes and for lighting evidence. Remote sync cord for electronic flash A remote sync cord allows you to operate the electronic flash when it is not mounted on the camera. Many photographs, especially photographs of certain types of evidence, cannot be taken with the camera-mounted flash. Extra Batteries for Camera and Electronic Flash Batteries may expire without warning while documenting a scene. Additional batteries for the camera and electronic flash should be included in the camera kit. Cable Lock Release A cable lock release is used to lock the camera's shutter during long exposures and when using the "painting with light" technique to photograph large night scenes. Cameras with a built-in feature that locks the shutter do not require a locking cable. Tripod Tripods are necessary to stabilize the cameraduring long exposures and for positioning it during certain types of evidence photography. ) color films are most often used for crime scene photography. Black and white film is used for certain types of evidence photography. Camera, electronic flash and accessories user manuals. Equipment operating manuals should be carried into the field for reference. Given the many features of modern electronic cameras and flashes, it may be necessary to refer to specialist photographic technique manuals. Photo Journal, Notebook and PenA photo journal is necessary to record information about each photograph taken at a crime scene. A notebook is valuable for recording further notes during the investigation. Scales and Tape Measure A variety of scales, including 6-inch and 36-inch sizes, should be available for photographing different types of subjects. Long tape measures with large numbers are sometimes needed to photograph large pieces of evidence or large areas at a crime scene. ABFO #2 Scale The ABFO #2 scale is the preferred scale for photographing injuries. Angle-finder An angle finder is used to help position a camera to photograph certain types of evidence at the crime scene. Color Chart or Color Control PatchesThe color chart or color control patches are used as color references in injury photography. 18% Gray Card The 18% gray card is used to help achieve accurate exposures. Index Cards and Felt-tip Pen When a number or other identifier is needed on a photograph, simply write the number or identifier on an index card and place it on the photograph. Flashlight A flashlight not only helps you see in dark areas, but it is also useful for previewing lighting when photographing evidence. By illuminating the evidence from different angles, you can see where it is best to position the electronic flash for a photograph. Other equipment to consider: Telephoto lenses – Although telephoto lenses are rarely used in crime scene photography, they are necessary for most types. surveillance photography. Additional Light Meter – Additional light meters are generally more efficient than the metering system inside the camera and are more useful for low light level readings, such as ambient light photography at night. Small Tools – Small tools are useful when emergency camera repairs need to be made in the field. Evidence Positioning Devices and Scales – Wooden blocks, clothespins, tongs and others Devices may be used to position evidence and scales for close-up photography. White handkerchief or other flash diffusion material – A white handkerchief or similar material may be placed over the head of an electronic flash to reduce the flash intensity. Importance of forensic photography in a crime scene investigation The crime scene is photographed to minimize the risk of conflicting statements and – if there is a dead body at the scene – it will also be photographed post mortem so that a record of how the body was found, the position in which it was found and the nature of its fatal injuries can be documented for later inspection. In many cases, photographic evidence is very important to both the prosecution and defense attorneys. It is also used to show the nature of a crime scene to officers, 1, 85-92.