A Simplified Guide to Crime Scene Photography

Introduction

• Significance of Photography: Vital for documenting and analyzing historical and current events, including crime scenes.
• Historical Use: Crime scene photography began being used as forensic evidence in 1851.
• Purpose: Photographs are not evidence themselves but serve as visual documentation of crime scenes, aiding in scene recreation and courtroom analysis.

Principles of Crime Scene Photography

• Time to Document: Varies based on scene size and complexity.
• Comprehensiveness: Should document everything in relation to the scene, not just obvious elements.
• Example: A photograph of a refrigerator helped solve a case by linking evidence of a beer purchase to a hitchhiker.

Capturing the Scene

• Definition: Photography is the art of capturing images on sensitized surfaces using light.
• Tools and Skills: Crime scene photographers may use specialized equipment, but first responders often use basic cameras with basic training.

Controlling the Light

• Photography Techniques:
  • Aperture: Size of the camera opening for light.
  • Shutter Speed: Duration the shutter remains open.
  • Depth of Field: Area in focus in front of and behind the object.
  • White Balance: Ensures accurate color representation.

Brightening the Darkness

• Technique: "Painting with light" involves using additional light sources in dark conditions to capture details.

Why and When Crime Scene Photography is Used

• Documentation Necessity: Essential for all crime scenes (e.g., traffic collisions, burglaries).
• Photographic Protocol: Images should be ethical and accurate.

Photographic Steps

1. Secure the Scene: First step in forensic investigations.
2. Evaluate Conditions: Adjust camera settings based on light and weather.
3. Shoot the Scene: Start with wide-angle shots moving to close-ups.
4. Photograph Victims: Document location, injuries, and condition.
5. Photograph Evidence: Capture evidence context and size.
6. Evidence Markers: Document scene with and without markers.
7. Re-shoot for New Evidence: Re-photograph if new evidence is found.

Special Techniques

• Alternate Light Sources (ALS): Helps detect fingerprints and other hidden evidence.
• Oblique Angle Lighting: Emphasizes imprints or impressions.
• Macro Lenses: Close-up images of small items.

Equipment and Limitations

• Required Equipment: High-quality cameras with manual settings and interchangeable lenses.
• Limitations: Cameras may not capture images as the human eye sees; training is crucial.

Quality Control

• SOPs and Guidelines: Ensure images accurately represent the crime scene and are admissible in court.
• SWGIT Guidelines: Provide quality standards for crime scene photography.

Forensic Evidence and Expert Witnesses

• Admissibility Standards:
  • Frye Standard: General acceptance of scientific evidence.
  • Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule 702: Expert testimony based on reliable principles.
  • Daubert Standard: Focuses on the science and application, with judges as gatekeepers.

Expert Witnesses in Court

• Expert Qualifications: Based on knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.
• Court's Discretion: Courts decide who qualifies as an expert.

Resources

• Websites and Publications:
  • Evidence Photographers International Council
  • Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology
  • Professional Photographers Association

Additional Notes

• Common Misconceptions: Digital and film photography manipulation.
• Terminology: Includes definitions of photographic terms used in crime scene photography.