Crime Scene Photography Overview

Crime Scene Photography

• Forensic photography documents and preserves the original crime scene for future investigation.
• Photographs are used with notes and sketches to form a comprehensive record of forensic documentation.
• Crime scene photos provide important information about the scene, including:
  • Layout of the crime scene
  • Position of evidence
  • Relationship between objects at the scene

Forensic Photography Prerequisites

• The most important requirement for photographing a crime scene is to keep it undisturbed.
• Objects should not be moved unless someone needs immediate medical attention.
• Photography must be completed before any objects are moved.

Admissibility Criteria

• Photographs must accurately reflect the true condition of the scene without alteration.
• Any manipulations to the scene or the photos must be thoroughly documented.
• Photographs must be relevant to the case, proving or disproving arguments.

Digital Photography

• Digital photography is the current standard for crime scene photography.
• A digital camera's light-sensitive microchip captures light from objects or scenes in the crime scene, creating a photograph.

Comprehensive Photography

• Crime scenes should be photographed comprehensively.
• Photos should include the area where the crime occurred as well as surrounding areas.
• Photographs should include an overview of the whole scene and points of entry and exit.
• If applicable, images of the body and all evidence must also be documented.

Overview Photos

• Overview photos are the first images taken to show perspective of the entire scene.
• These photos can be taken from different angles.
• Photos will often start far away and gradually move in to specifics.

Points of Entry/Exit

• Entry and exit points must be clearly photographed to show any marks, indicating force or other pertinent details.

Photographing Evidence

• Investigators must follow proper techniques for documenting evidence.

• An item of scale (ruler, quarter, etc.) should be included in the photos for context.

• Evidence needs to be photographed from three distinct angles and distances.

  • Close-up
  • Mid-range
  • Distance
  • A minimum of 9 photos are necessary for each piece of evidence

• Each piece of evidence is photographed relative to other evidence in the crime scene.

Oblique Lighting

• Oblique lighting is helpful for imaging hard-to-see evidence or detail.
• A light source is positioned at a low angle relative to the evidence.