2. Why Take Photographs At A Crime
Scene?
Photographs document the scene in a way
people can understand.
Photographs can be used to recreate the crime
and to prove or disprove a suspect’s explanation.
They can help a jury understand where and how
the crime was committed.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
3. To Be Admissible in Court
Fair
Not biased or prejudicial
Must not appeal to the emotions of the jury
Accurate
Technically correct
Form, Tone, Color and Scale
4. To Be Admissible in Court
Relevant
Of value to the court and jury in making
decisions
Chain of Custody must be maintained
The photo must be identified
Introduced in court by a person who is qualified to identify it
5. Elements of a Good, Technical
Photograph
Must be correctly exposed
Have maximum depth of field
Have an accurate perspective
Be in sharp focus
6. Types of Photographs
Establishing photographs depict an overall
view of the scene, buildings, approach and
escape routes, witnesses, etc.
Medium-range photographs depict the
relationship between objects, concentrates
more on the immediate scene.
Close-up photographs depict individual
items of evidence.
7. Flash photography is often needed during the day. As seen in
the photograph, the camera’s eye is fooled by the bright
brickwork, while the evidence is in darkness.
10. Front Edge
Front Axle
Side
Rear Axle
Rear Edge
Diagonal Diagonal
Edge Edge
Rear
Edge Edge
Front
Diagonal
Diagonal
Front Edge
Front Axle
Side
Rear Axle
Rear Edge
These 20 Photos + 1 Photo Directly Down = 21 Photos
21 Point Method
11. Fingerprints
Should be photographed before lifting
Orientation shot to show location
Consider using black & white film for greater
contrast
Macro or close-up lens
Scale on the same plane must be used
90 degree shot
Use a tripod
13. Low Light Photography Issues
We often need to photograph scenes in low light, the following is
an overview.
The CSI Effect means that Juries no longer rely on just your word.
They want to see what you saw.
Your ability to shoot in low light will depend on
Ambient light
Your photography equipment
Lighting Equipment that you can supply
DWI equipment, etc.
Other resources available to you
Fire Department lighting equipment, etc.
19. Photography of Bloodstains
Take orientation photos to show location
Take close-up photos to show detail
Keep the camera 90° to the print
L-shape ruler is preferred to get both width and length of stain
Consider using a tripod
20. Photography of Bloodstains
Use bounced lighting or diffused light.
Oblique lighting works best when dealing with
stains on fabric (very low angles).
May need additional magnification
A macro lens or the macro feature on the camera
A step-up lens
25. Fingerprints
Should be photographed before lifting
Orientation shot to show location
Consider using black & white photogpraphy for
greater contrast
Macro or close-up lens
Scale on the same plane must be used
90 degree shot
Use a tripod
27. Impression Evidence
Orientation
Show where the impression is located in the overall crime scene.
Lighting
Block out the ambient light with an umbrella and use a strong light
source at an oblique angle to show the best details.
Close-up
Use a scale on the same plane as the impression.
Keep the camera 90° to the impression
Consider using a tripod
28. Tire Impressions
Photograph tire impressions in sections showing
one circumference of the tire.
Taking overlapping photographs, with a tape
measure, parallel to the tire impression.
Keep the camera 90° to the impression
31. Tool marks & serial numbers
Orientation photo
Evidence at the scene
Close-up photos
Use a scale on the same plane as the evidence
90 degree photo
Oblique light to create small shadows in the detail
Use a tripod.
34. High speed videography Introduction
High-speed videography is simply the technique of
recording an event at a high frame rate and playing
the images back at a much slower rate, thus slowing
down the event so you can actually see what’s
happening.
35. Key features of
high speed camera
⚫A Fast Sensor
⚫Shutter Speed
⚫Sensitivity
⚫Light
36. Application of high speed videography
⚫In Military-ballistics and wind tunnel examinations,
etc.
⚫Manufacturing companies-packaging, assembly and
production lines, machine troubleshooting.
⚫In Medical Industries-analyze water droplets, chemical
injections, biomechanics, fluid dynamics, etc.
37.
38. A means of obtaining information from aerial photographs
Photogrammetry is…
39. From a PowerPoint presentation by Fred Welter of North West Geomatics Ltd.
The Science
40. • Has many uses
• Very economical as opposed to on site surveying
From a PowerPoint presentation by Fred Welter of North West Geomatics Ltd.
Photogrammetry