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Forensic Photography Essentials

Forensic photography is used to document physical evidence at crime scenes. It is crucial that photos are taken correctly and handled properly, as they may be used as evidence in court. Taking photos serves to create a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was originally found. This record is used for investigation and can be presented to others involved like detectives, prosecutors, and jurors, since the scene itself will likely be altered by the time investigation is complete. Proper documentation with photos is vital, as it provides the foundation for the entire investigation and allows others to see the scene as it was when first discovered.

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Ronalyn Paunal
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
349 views3 pages

Forensic Photography Essentials

Forensic photography is used to document physical evidence at crime scenes. It is crucial that photos are taken correctly and handled properly, as they may be used as evidence in court. Taking photos serves to create a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was originally found. This record is used for investigation and can be presented to others involved like detectives, prosecutors, and jurors, since the scene itself will likely be altered by the time investigation is complete. Proper documentation with photos is vital, as it provides the foundation for the entire investigation and allows others to see the scene as it was when first discovered.

Uploaded by

Ronalyn Paunal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Forensic 1

Prior to learning about this subject, I was under the belief that forensic photography refers
to the photographic documenting of evidence for the sake of presenting an argument in a court of
law. In this video, I discovered that forensic photography is critical for the documenting of physical
evidence, and it is critical that the photographs be taken and handled correctly. The prosecution
might make a loss if they don't get good evidence photos. That crime scene photography is a major
role and duty of investigators, because everything else done after that is worthless without a solid
photographic foundation. In forensic science and crime scene investigation, evidence
documentation is vital to the development of an investigation. As, the responsible recording of
photos that may be used as evidence in a criminal or civil legal action, or as qualifying
documentation for life events such as birth, marriage, death, and immigration, is known to be the
forensic photography. That being said, I understand that it often takes a knowledgeable
photographer to successfully capture the details of the evidence so that they may be used as part
of the investigation.
I learned that the word photography is derived from two Greek words: phos, which means
"light," and graphos, which means "write." For our uses, photography best translates to "write with
light." To document, record, or write with light, we do need two things: first, an instrument to write
or record the images, and second, a medium on which to permanently record the images. The
camera and related equipment required to catch light on the recording medium, light-sensitive film,
are a little more complicated than a simple pencil or pen. As a result, we have two essential
necessities for our photography needs: a camera and film, as well as accessories like auxiliary
lighting, specific lenses, and filters. As photos are also indispensable aids in authenticating notes,
report writing, and refreshing memory. You cannot use a videotape to illustrate your narrative
report unless you convert your videotape to still photos.
Moreover, the camera, no matter which type, is used to collect the reflected light images
and record them on light-sensitive film. For this process to work properly, the camera must be
light-proof except for the controlled light that is allowed to strike the light-sensitive surface (film
plane) of the film. The light enters the camera through an opening called a lens aperture. The lens,
whether it is fixed, telephoto, or zoom, collects the reflected light images to be recorded in focus
on the film. A focused image of a subject is one that is clear, sharp, and accurately depicts the
subject and its contents, color, and detail without distortion. We, the photographers should be
reminded that the primary purpose of forensic photography is a true and accurate representation of
the subject. As a result, focusing is a critical component of forensic photography. The lens and
therefore the focusing powers of the camera may be restricted, and in order to complete the
photographic recording, we will need a light-sensitive medium called film to record our "writing
with light." Film is made in a variety of ranges and types for a variety of tasks. I think that taking
close-up shots of all abnormalities, as well as serial photographs from all angles of significant
injuries, is a smart option.
Other than that, I have ascertained that lighting is the crucial element for capturing images
in hard-to-reach areas. As the essential component for picture documentation is light, which is the
core of photography. The process of capturing the reflected light from an item or scene on an
imaging sensor is known as photography. Both visible and invisible spectrums are captured in the
image. One of the most essential factors for adequately documenting features inside a scene or
item as a recorded image is to use light properly. Physical size, brightness, orientation, and color
output will all be included (color temperature). In addition, a photographer is responsible for
arranging the image, assessing the light intensity or achieving the right exposure, and ensuring that
the lighting direction captures the topic and that the subject is in crisp focus throughout the
composition. Sometimes these tasks can be difficult, but this is where the photographer can shine
and demonstrate their skill and ability to the image’s viewer, since the light also is defined by its
brightness and size. Sometimes the brightness or size is adjustable and this is a great advantage to
the forensic photographer. Artificial lights, such as an electronic flash unit, will have an adjustment
to regulate the quantity of output.
All cameras share this same basic design; however, the variety of features beyond this basic
design can be overwhelming when deciding upon a camera. Choosing the right camera for you
may depend upon its intended use as well as your budget. The cameras from the professional level
to the everyday smartphone will contain the same parts and mechanical devices. Every part and
mechanical device will produce the same effect for the same reasons. The overall idea is to record
light during a set time period.
Furthermore, photography has its elements of art such as the aperture, white balance,
shutter speed, ISO settings and exposure to be taken care of. For exposure this was explained to
be the total amount of light that hits the sensor of a camera. It is controlled by the amount of light
entering the camera and the duration or how long the light hits the sensor. Exposure is ultimately
responsible for the formation of the image. Essentially, light and its effect on exposure creates the
picture. Too much exposure (light) and the picture will be too bright, washed out, or overexposed,
and conversely too little exposure (light) and the picture will be dark or underexposed. As for the
ISO (International Organization of Standardization), was the sensitivity rating of the camera’s
sensor, however, an increase in ISO will also increase the noise present in a digital image. Noise
in digital images is those that appears as off-color pixels, typically red and green. As well to the
white balance (also called color balance) is a very important setting on a digital camera. It allows
the photographer to adjust the camera for different sources of light. White balance is essential
because each source of light has its own color temperature. And what not.
Not all crime scenes are alike; however, there are some general guidelines to follow while
documenting a crime scene. I think it will be helpful to develop to skills needed in crime scene
documentation. This will not only aid in the interpretation of your images by others, but also will
make documenting a scene smoother and ensure critical images are not forgotten.
Forensic Photography documentation serves as a permanent visual record of the crime
scene. This record will be utilized for both investigation purposes and as evidence in court. The
scene will very definitely not be in the same shape when the inquiry is finished, which may take
months or even years. Other detectives, prosecutors, defense counsel, and jurors will be shown
photos of the crime scene. The scene images may be the only way people may see the scene in its
original form.

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