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Forensic Photography Handbook:
Camera Instructions
Intern Development Project: Robyn Kramer
Human Identification Laboratory
California State University, Chico
2014­2015

2. Table of Contents
Basic Canon Camera Safety ​…………………………………………………………………. ​2
Camera Maintenance​ ………………………………………………………………………….. ​2
Crime Scene Photography ​…………………………………………………………………… ​2
Camera Basics ​…………………………………………………………………………………. ​4
❖ Getting to know the camera …………….……………………………………... 4
❖ Exposure ………………………………………………………………………... 5
❖ Aperture: Depth of field ...……………….…………..………………………….. 5
❖ ISO ……………………………………………………………………………….. 6
❖ Shutter Speed …………………………………………………………………… 6
❖ White Balance …………………………………………………………………… 6
❖ Picture mode ....………………………………………………………………….. 7
❖ Live View Shooting/Screen Display …………………………………………… 8
❖ Distortion …………………………………………………………………….…… 9
❖ Focus ………………………………………………………………………….…. 9
Exploring EOS Utility ​…………………………………………………………………………. 9
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3. Basic Canon Camera Safety
1) A camera is a precision instrument. Therefore, handle with care; do not drop or subject to water
exposure or physical shock. Do not leave camera exposed in areas prone to excessive heat.
2) Do not clean the camera body or lens with a cleaner containing an organic solvent. Otherwise, use
a lens cloth or blower brush to remove dust on the lens.
3) When the camera is not in use, remove battery and store in a well­ventilated, cool, dry location. Do
not store near corrosive chemicals.
Camera Maintenance
1) Use only fine tissue paper and alcohol solution that are designed for cleaning camera optics. Clean
both ends of the lens, if possible use a blower brush to remove any dust particles.
2) Avoid scraping any dust particles on the lens.
3) When not in use, camera should be stored in padded bag with lens cap on.
4) Only use an AC battery charger that is designed specifically for your make and model of camera.
5) ALWAYS charge battery before going out to a recovery/scene.
Crime Scene Photography
A​.​ Purpose of Crime Scene Photography
1) To record the original scene and related area through field notes, photographs and sketches.
2) To record the initial appearance of physical evidence.
3) Provides investigation with a permanent and visual record of the scene for later use in court trials
and hearings.
B. Admissibility of photographic evidence in court
1) Object photographed must be relevant to the issue.
2) All evidence must be shot ​in situ.
3) The photograph must be free from distortion and not misrepresent the scene or the object.
4) You do not need to be an expert in photography to take crime scene photographs.
5) Create an image of the methodical scientific process.
6) Do not delete anything!
7) Photographs must be recorded on photo log immediately after capture.
C. Steps in recording the crime scene
1) Secure the scene
2) Take preliminary notes
3) Take overview photographs
4) Look for floral and topographical irregularities
5) Record each item of evidence on a Photo Log with associated file number
6) WATCH YOUR FEET. DO NOT STEP ON EVIDENCE!
D. Taking overview photographs
1) Purpose: To show the scene as it was initially.
a. If something was moved before you arrived, don't try to reconstruct the scene as it was.
The photographs should show the scene as you found it.
b. Use wide angle shots, North arrow and scales
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E. Photographing evidence
(1) Take two photographs of each item of evidence.
a. One should be an orientation (midrange) shot to show how the item is ​in situ.
b. The second photograph should be a close­up to bring out the details of the object itself.
c. Keep plane of lens parallel to object being photographed.
(2) Measuring and marking devices(N arrow and scale): take two photographs
a. One photograph without the device, the other with the device.
b. This ensures that the defense cannot claim that the scene was altered or that the device
was concealing any important aspect of the scene.
F. Photographing Impressions
(1) Procedure for footprints and tire tracks.
a. Take an orientation photograph to show where in the scene the impression is located.
b. Take a close­up for detail.
1. Use a scale on the same plane as the impression.
2. Block out ambient light and use a strong light source at different angles to find the light
angle(s) that show(s) the best detail in the impression.
3. Photograph tire impressions in sections showing one circumference of the tire.
G. Photographing Bloodstains
(1) Use color film/setting
(2) Orientate photographs to show locations of bloodstain evidence at the scene
(3) Close­up photographs to show detail
1. Use a scale on the same plane as the bloodstain
2. Keep the film parallel to the plane of the bloodstain
3. Use a low oblique light angle
H. Other evidence commonly photographed
Toolmarks, exits, entrances, serial numbers, fingerprints, small items, etc.
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5. Camera Basics
A​.​ ​Getting to know the Camera
B. Taking Photographs
Photographs must be correctly exposed, have maximum depth of field, be free from distortion and
be in sharp focus in order to accurately portray the scene.
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6. 1) Correct Exposure
a. ​Exposure ​is controlled by the shutter speed and lens aperture.
2) Adjusting the ​Aperture: Depth of field​ ­ area in a photograph in which objects are in sharp focus.
1. Turn the top Mode Dial to the "Av," or "Aperture­Priority AE" mode.
2. Turn the main dial, located just behind the shutter button, to get a higher f/number
on the LCD display.
3. Press the Shutter button half­way down and look at the shutter speed through the
viewfinder eyepiece. If the shutter speed number is not blinking, then the exposure
is correct. If you see a blinking "4000" or "2000" then the image is overexposed.
Turn the main dial to a higher f/number until the number stops blinking. If you see a
blinking "30," then the image is underexposed, so you need to decrease the
f/number.
4. Press the "Depth of Field Preview" button, located at the base of the camera lens,
and look through the viewfinder again. The aperture closes to the selected size and
displays a preview of the photo. If you are happy with the results, take the picture.
Otherwise, readjust the settings until you achieve your desired results.
5. A large aperture : F2.8 has a narrow depth of field. The main subject will be in
focus, with a blurred background. A small aperture setting of F16 creates a wide
depth of field, bringing the background into focus.
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7. 3) ​ISO ​determines the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light.
1. The higher the ISO the more sensitive to light and the more noise/distortion.
2. The lower the ISO the less sensitive to light.
3. The ISO can be changed by clicking the ISO button located on top of the camera,
near the main dial and shutter button.
4) ​Shutter speed​ is the length of time that the shutter remains open.
1. Measured in a fraction of a second Ex: 1/52
2. Controlled by click wheel near shutter button.
3. Bright settings require a greater shutter speed, while dark settings need lower.
5) ​White Balance​ tells the sensor the temperature of the light it is recording in order to render the
color correctly.
1. Controlled using the WB button located on the posterior surface of the camera.
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8. 6) Selecting a ​Picture Mode
Photo credit Cannon.com
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7) Preparing for ​Live View Shooting
1. Set the <Mode Dial> to a
Creative Zone.
2. Press the <MENU> button.
3. Press the <Cross Keys> to select the
tab. Then press the <Cross Keys>
to select the [Live View function
settings], then press the <SET> button.
4. Press the <Cross Keys> to select
[Live View shoot] from the displayed
menu item, and then press the <SET>
button.
5. Press the <Cross Keys> to select
[Enable].
6. Press the <SET> button. Make sure that
[Live View shoot­Enable] is set, and then
press the <MENU> button twice.
7. Make sure that the menu display
disappears, and then press the <SET>
button.
● The Live View image will appear
● The Live View image will reflect the
brightness level the actual image you
capture.
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8) Free from distortion (must have a good perspective of scene)
a. Use a normal focal length lens whenever possible.
b. Keep the camera level and take photos with camera at eye level when possible.
c. Using a tripod will ensure lack of distortion from photographs.
9) Sharp focus
a. Keep the camera steady. Focus carefully.
b. Press slightly on the shutter​ ​button to focus and press down completely to take photo.
Exploring EOS Utility
1) Mount camera to photo station. Please ask for help, if unsure of how to operate.
2) Connect mini­USB cord to computer and camera.
3) Click on EOS utility icon, , to start the program.
4) Turn camera on. Make sure that it is not on the Auto [green square] mode.
5) A box should appear on the screen; click on “remote shooting”
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6) Set the correct date and time;
should be set already.
7) Choose where the files will be
saved using the​ [File Save
Destination​] folder.
8) Click the ​[Live View Shoot]​ button
will open a window on the screen (as
seen below). This screen is used to
make real­time changes to exposure,
focus, depth­of­field, white balance
and picture style.
9) The following page (​11)​ has a quick
“How To” guide for navigating the
Live Shooting View mode.
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