CSI Photo Chapter 2

Briefly explain why photography can be considered to be both a scientific enterprise and an artistic expression of the photographer

Scientific- Mechanics of determining a proper exposure. More like a mathematical equation

Artistic- creative expression of the photographer

Can a properly exposed crime scene photograph still be unsuccessful? Why?

If it is not in focus from the foreground to the background, it is not useful. Depth of field always needs to be considered

How can the photographer’s viewpoint affect whether an image correctly depicts the spatial relationship between two objects?

Keep the film plane parallel. This eliminates perspective distortion where one item looks closer to another than it really is.

Use-once camera vs Professional camera system

how the viewfinder is used

Cardinal rules

#1 Fill the frame

#2 Maximize depth of field

#3 Keep the film plane parallel

#1 Fill the frame

Get closer to the primary subject

Eliminate the irrelevant

If it is in the image, you are intentionally putting it there

Shadow control

Lens Flare

#2 Maximize depth of field

reciprocal exposure

Hyperfocal focus

Zone focus

Perfocus

Reciprocal exposure

use the smallest aperture for a larger depth of field range

Hyperfocal focus

maximized depth of field in large outdoor scenes

Zone focus

focus by rules of thirds

Perfocus

for evidence 1:1 shots

#3 Keep the film plane parallel

Overall Photographs

Midrange Photographs

Close-up Photographs

Overall Photographs

Building and walls are best photographed with the film plane parallel to those surfaces

Midrange Photographs

the fixed feature and the evidence are the same distance from you (isosceles triangle), parallel to the imaginary line connecting them (Diagonal)

Close-up Photographs

Need to be right over the item or it can not be used for comparison

Shadow control - Sun

Attempt to reposition body so that your own shadow completely covers the items or there is not shadow at all

Shadow control - Flash

Alter flash head position to minimize or control shadows

Remove flash and us remote flash cord so the flash position can be changed

Lens Flare

Can ruin photo

often ten to be backlit or underexposed

use lens hood or hand above the lens to cover it from the sun