IndexForensic PhotographyEquipment needed for photographyFiltersElectronic flashRemote sync cord for electronic flashExtra batteries for camera and electronic flashCable lock releaseTripodFilmPhoto log, notebook and penColor chart or color control patchFlashlightImportance of Forensic Photography in a Crime Scene Investigation Crime Scene Investigation Preservation and Recording Methods Conclusion Works Cited Forensic Photography Forensic photography is nothing but crime scene photography. The reproduction and reconstruction of a crime scene has an important aspect in solving a crime. These images are analyzed to reconstruct the crime scene. Crime or accident scene photographers commonly capture color but also black and white images. Forensic photography is an important topic for crime investigations. Forensic photography could be described as a combination of visual understanding and criminal nature. Forensic photography paves the way to justice, with the help of technological advancements and image recording is used as evidence. Therefore, the importance of forensic photography is discussed in this essay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The use of photography in recording a crime scene is very important and has become a constant part of the investigation process. In addition to witness statements, officer accounts, and other physical evidence provided by the crime scene itself, photography is used to provide an accurate account that cannot be altered. Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) are tasked with recording the scene of a crime using various means; one of the most common is photography. Forensic science holds the branch of forensic photography that includes the documentation of both suspected and convicted criminals, as well as crime scenes, victims, and other evidence needed to make a conviction. Although photography was widely recognized as the most accurate way to depict and document people and objects, it was not until key developments in the late 19th century that it became widely accepted as a means of forensic identification. Forensic photographs are used for measurement or analysis, to accompany forensic reports, articles or research documents. Forensic photography is an integral part of criminal investigation procedures employed by police and security forces around the world. Photographers must, therefore, follow a standard methodology and produce images to a rigorous technical standard so that they can be used as evidence in hearings, courts, and judicial proceedings. Because the subject matter often relates to accidents, injuries, or criminal investigations, forensic photographers are expected to be able to work efficiently in distressing and challenging environments, without disturbing other evidence or interfering with the work of other investigators. Forensic Photography is a fascinating area of ​​work suited to highly organized photographers who combine excellent technical skills with a methodical and meticulous working practice. While it is the job of many other photographers to interpret a brief, it is the job of the forensic photographer to produce accurate, detailed photographs that faithfully record the location and evidence as clearly and objectively as possible. Forensic photographers produce a permanent visual record of accident scenes and crime scenes for use as evidence in court. They must be able to produce detailed records of all available evidence at the scene,including panoramic photographs and accurate images of tire marks, fingerprints, footprints, blood spatter, bullet holes and other unique evidence at the scene. They must also be able to take detailed photographs of injuries suffered due to accidents or assaults and may also be required to photograph dead bodies. Much of the work is routine, but photographing crime scenes and traffic accidents, or visiting patients in hospital, can be emotionally distressing. Equipment Needed for Photography The following items should be available to the crime scene photographer to photograph most scenes and evidence: Camera – Most crime scene photographers use a high-quality digital camera or camera 35mm. Digital cameras equipped with ten-megapixel or larger image sensors and manual exposure settings (in addition to any automatic or programmed exposure modes) are generally suitable for crime scene and evidence photography. Normal Lens: A normal lens provides the best perspective for most photographs. . A 50mm lens is considered a normal lens for a 35mm camera. Wide Angle Lens: A wide angle lens is needed when photographing small rooms or other areas with limited space. A 28mm lens is considered a wide-angle lens for a 35mm camera. Close-up lens or close-up accessories: Most regular lenses won't focus closer than about three feet. To photograph small pieces of evidence you need a macro lens or a close-up attachment for the regular lens. Close-up accessories include 1:1 adapters, extension tubes, bellows, reversal rings or close-up filters. Filters A polarizing filter is often necessary for photographing through glass and in water. Color filters (red, orange, yellow, blue, and green) are useful when photographing certain types of evidence with black-and-white film. Electronic Flash Electronic flash provides additional light often needed when photographing indoors, outdoors at night, filling shadows in bright daylight scenes, and for lighting tests. Remote sync cord for electronic flash A remote sync cord allows you to use the electronic flash when it is not mounted on the camera. Many photographs, especially photographs of certain types of evidence, cannot be photographed with camera-mounted flash.Extra camera and electronic flash batteriesBatteries can expire without warning while documenting a scene. Additional batteries for both the camera and the electronic flash should be included in your camera kit. Cable Release Lock A cable release lock is used to lock the camera shutter during long exposures and when using the "painting with light" technique to photograph large night scenes. Cameras that have a built-in shutter lock feature do not require a locking cable release. Tripod Tripods are needed to stabilize the camera for long exposures and to position the camera during some types of photographic tests. Film Medium speed (ISO 100 or 200) Color printed film is often used for crime scene photography. Black and white film is used for some types of test photography. Operation manuals for your camera, electronic flash and accessories. Equipment operating manuals should be carried into the field for reference. With the many features of modern cameras and flash driveselectronics, you may need to refer to manuals for specialized photography techniques. Photo log, notebook and pen A photo log is needed to record information about each photograph taken at the crime scene. A notebook is invaluable for jotting down other notes during the investigation. Scales and Tape Measure Different scales must be available for photographing different types of subjects, including 6-inch and 36-inch sizes. Long tape measures with large numbers are sometimes needed when photographing large evidence or large areas at the crime scene. ABFO Scale #2 ABFO Scale #2 is the preferred scale for photographing injuries. Angle Viewfinder An angle viewfinder is used to aid in positioning a camera to photograph certain types of evidence at a crime scene. Color chart or color control patches The color chart or color control patches are used as color references in lesion photography. 18% gray paper 18% gray paper is used to aid in obtaining accurate exposures. Cards and Marker When a number or other identifier is needed in a photograph, simply write the number or identifier on a card and insert it into the photograph. Flashlight A flashlight not only helps you see in dark areas, but is useful for previewing lighting during test photography. By shining the light on the evidence from different angles you can see where it is best to place the electronic flash for a photograph. Other equipment to consider: Telephoto lenses – Although telephoto lenses are rarely used in crime scene photography, they are necessary for most types of surveillance photography. Supplemental light meters: Supplemental light meters are generally more effective than the in-camera metering system and are more useful for low-light level readings, such as nighttime ambient light photography. Small Tools: Small tools are useful when using the emergency camera. repairs must be performed in the field. Devices for positioning evidence and ladders – Wooden blocks, clothespins, clamps and other devices can be used to position evidence and ladders for close-up photography. White handkerchief or other flash diffusion material – A white handkerchief or similar material may be placed over the head of an electronic flash to reduce the intensity of the flash. Importance of forensic photography in crime scene investigations The crime scene is photographed to minimize the risk of conflicting statements and – if there is a body the scene: it too will be photographed post-mortem so that it can be documented as the body was found, in what location it was found and the nature of its fatal injuries for later inspection. In many cases, photographic evidence is very important for both the prosecution and the defense. It is also used as a means of showing the nature of the crime scene to officers from an investigation team who were unable to attend. The means by which crime scenes are photographed are such that the most intricate details can be recorded for future reference. There are many different types of lenses, cameras, and lights that can be used for this procedure, and night vision photography is also used in certain scenarios. Advances in modern technology have also meant that a crime scene can not only be photographed but also video recorded to be an accurate representation of what was happening at the time; this can be useful in criminal proceedings and subsequent court cases. A, 1, 85-92.