Types of Forensic Photographs, Part I
Forensic Photography at Crime Scenes
Overview of Forensic Photography
Forensic photographs play a crucial role in capturing and understanding crime scenes and supporting reports.
There are three primary types of forensic photographs:
Overall photographs
Evidence establishing photographs
Close-up or forensic quality photographs
While these are the main categories, additional photographs may be necessary to portray all relevant details of the evidence encountered at the scene.
The purpose of crime scene photographs includes:
Enhancing understanding of the scene and the report.
Graphically capturing the condition, orientation, and spatial relationships within the scene.
Allowing viewers to see necessary details of specific items found in the scene.
Types of Forensic Photographs
Overall Photographs
Designed to depict the general condition and layout of the crime scene.
Captures:
Orientation and position of significant landmarks.
The state of the scene prior to any alterations.
Characteristics:
Taken first to ensure the original scene is documented.
Often leveraged with a wide angle lens for capturing a broader view, though caution is needed to avoid distortion.
Fisheye lenses should be avoided due to extreme distortion.
Techniques:
Ideal Method: Position the camera at corner points aiming toward the opposite corner, taking four photographs for overlapping coverage.
This method allows for greater distance and overlap, enhancing detail capture.
Example of positioning: In a 10 by 12 ft room, corner-to-corner placement allows footage of up to 14 feet compared to the maximum of 11 feet wall-to-wall.
Iterations of Overall Photographs
Two distinct sets of overall photographs are taken during the crime scene processing:
First set:
Takes place before introducing any supplementary tools such as scales, rulers, or photo placards to ensure the original condition of the scene remains unaltered.
Acts as a record of the initial scene for courtroom purposes.
Second set:
Conducted after identifying specific areas of evidence to introduce placards and document the orientation of items visible within the photographs.
Consideration for Angles and Perspectives
When taking photographs:
Encourage documenting from natural perspectives regarding either the photographer’s viewpoint or witness perspectives.
This includes accounting for any obstructions that a witness might have encountered during the incident.
Exterior Overall Photographs
Aim to relate the crime scene to its wider context, including:
The building where the crime occurred if indoors.
The surrounding area outside if applicable.
Sequential Documentation:
Photographers should begin with an identifier card and then move from a geographical feature or identifiable landmark toward the crime scene (e.g., street signs or natural features).
Dealing with Street Signs and Geographic Markers
When photographing street signs:
It's important to make the street name associated with the crime more dominant within the photograph, avoiding confusion for law enforcement and the jury.
If no street signs are available (e.g., in wilderness areas):
Use prominent local features (such as trees, rocks, or distinct topographies) as reference points.
Example of photograph considerations illustrates:
Showing proximity to significant landmarks (e.g., the American Red Cross building) while omitting irrelevant details that can detract from the clarity of the scene documentation.
Additional Photographing Guidelines
Sequentially photograph as you approach the crime scene from different angles:
Start from corners and sides before focusing inwards.
Each type of photograph serves to document and establish the scene’s configuration clearly to reinforce the case in court.
Example concepts include:
Taking establishing photographs without evidence placards initially.
Follow up with photographs including placards once evidence has been established.