PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography was derived from the Greek photos- for “light” and –
graphos for “drawing”. It is the art, science, and practice of creating durable
images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either
chemically by means of a light sensitive material such as photographic film,
or electronically by means of an image sensor.

IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES IN THE FIELD OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Nicéphore Niépce (1829)

Invented heliograph which used plate covered with Bitumen of Judea

which hardened when exposed to light. Soft parts were easy to remove but
the plate had to be exposed for hours or days and the whole process were
not too practical.
Heliography an early photographic process producing a
photoengraving on a metal plate coated with an asphalt preparation.

Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre (1787 - 1851)

A French artist, painter, photographer, and a developer of the

diorama theatre and he is the most famous for development of
daguerreotype which is one of the earliest successful methods of
photography. Daguerreotype is the kind of developing negative images on
mirrored surfaces that reflect a positive looking image.

William Henry Fox Talbot (1800–1877)

He developed the process for drawing with light, inventing the very first
process for creating photographic images in 1834, which was revealed to the
public in 1839. Considered one of the greatest polymaths of the Victorian
age, his “salted paper” and calotype processes earned him the name of
“father of photography.”
Calotype, in this technique, a sheet of paper coated with silver chloride was
exposed to light in a camera obscura; those areas hit by light became dark
in tone, yielding a negative image.

Alphonse Bertillon

He is known as the inventor of the first scientific method of identifying

criminals. His use of photography was especially effective, and he did much
to improve photographic techniques in criminology. Bertillon is credited with
the invention of the mug shot.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

 It is photographic documentation of evidence and specific

details for presentation of an argument in court of law.
 It is referred to as forensic imaging or crime scene photography,
is the art of producing an accurate reproduction of a crime
scene or an accident scene using photography for the benefit of
a court or to aid in an investigation. It is the part of evidence
collecting. It provides investigators with photos of victims, places
and items involved in the crime

DEFINITION OF WORD

FORENSIC

 Using the methods of science to provide information about

a crime
(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/forensic)

 used to describe the work of scientists who examine evidence in

order to help the police solve crimes. It was directly related to
legal profession.
(collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/forensic)

 belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to

public discussion and debate
 relating to or dealing with the application of scientific
knowledge to legal problems
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forensic)

BRIEF HISTORY OF FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Belgium in 1843 and Denmark in 1851 uses photography for document

purpose. Document contains prisoner’s images. There was no training
required and pictures were often taken by amateurs, commercial
photographers and even policemen or prison officials. By the 1870s, the
practice was spread out to many countries. This was not like photographing
portraits of families or children. These were documenting criminals. Though
these were slowly adapted to police regulations photographing criminals
and suspects was widespread until the latter part of the 19th century. Earlier
only 1or 2 photographs were taken. But as crime increases number of
photographs were also increases for better examination.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

FOUR IMPORTANT TOOLS IN PHOTOGRAPHY

Camera

There is an old saying: “A tradesman is only as good as the tools he

uses.” This is very true when it comes to forensic photography. Without good,
well- maintained photographic equipment you will not be able to do your job
to perfection. The 35mm or digital SLR camera is useful for forensic
photography. It deals with a lot of ultraviolet and infrared photographs
because the SLR digital camera has a very low sensitivity for ultraviolet and
infrared.

Lens

The quality of lens which will govern the quality of photography must
have a minimum requirement is a wide-angle lens of at least 28mm focal
length. A macro lens of around 50mm focal length and a medium telephoto
lens of 135mm focal length and an extension tube with a zoom lens in the
range of 28-105mm should be used.

Film

The quality of film available today is constantly improving. Many Police

departments today have moved right away from black and white film to
colour film. Courts too, have come to expect colour photographs. Film for
crime scene photography is ISO400 colour film.

Flash Equipment

Not every crime scene will be as easy to photograph as an everyday,

landscape shot. There will be indoor scenes, underground scenes, night
scenes, outdoor scenes with heavy contrasts between light and shadow. It is
essential that your camera is coupled with an efficient flash unit with a high
output to get clear image or photo.

Reason of Photographing the Crime scene

 To record the scene and associated areas.

 To record the appearance of physical evidence as first encountered
 To provide investigators with a photographic record of the scene to
assist them with their investigations.
 To present the crime scene at court for the edification of judges, juries
and counsel alike.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

ADMISSIBILITY OF PHOTOGARPHIC EVIDENCE IN COURT

Points of qualification of a photograph in court

 Object pictured must be material or relevant to the point in issue.

 The photograph must not appeal to the emotions or tend to
prejudice the court or jury.
 The photograph must be free from distortion and not
misrepresent the scene or the object it purports to reproduce

Three types of photography

1. Overviews

Wide-angle photographs of the general crime scene and

surrounding areas will present a big picture of the overall scene and
to show the relationships between various pieces of evidence at the
scene. If the scene is an indoor one minimum 10 photographs of a
room using a wide- angle lens - one from each corner looking
diagonally to the opposite corner (4); one from the centre of each
wall looking directly to the centre of the opposite wall (4); one from
near floor level at one end of the room looking up to the ceiling (1);
and one from the same end of the room near to ceiling height
looking down to the floor of the room (1) giving the total of 10
photographs.

2. Mid-range

These show the relationships of specific items of evidence

to each other and to the scene proper. They should be
photographed from normal viewing height. Remember
photographs will eventually be viewed by a judge or a panel of
jurors, and they must be able to relate to the scene easily, with
no distortions or confusion.

3. Close-up

The close-up photographs to show details of important pieces of

evidence. Items with which relative sizes are important should be
photographed with and without a scale. It is important that the
scale is placed on the same plane as the item, and that the film
plane is parallel to the scale.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

METHODS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Crime or accident scene photographs usually capture images in

coloured but also in Black and white.

1. Digital photography

It has an automatic date and time marker on each image, so that

authenticity can be verified.

2. Aerial photography

Taking of photographs of the ground from an elevated position or

platforms for aerial photography include helicopters, kites & air craft. The use
of aerial photography for military purposes was expanded during World war.
These are used for taking photographs of a big crime scene.

Aerial camera systems are fitted with pan, tilt, roll and 10x zoom
cameras which allows the aircraft to record and transmit to the ground and
Internet live HD video via either a wireless digital video link of a 3G/4G
wireless internet connection.

Types of Aerial cameras

 Octocopters also known as Coptercam Aerial Camera

System. It has 8 cameras
 Hexacopters it has 6 cameras
 Quadcopters it has 4 cameras

3. Surveillance photography

It was used for photographing the behaviour activities, or other changing

information, usually of people. This can include observation from a distance
by means of electronic equipment (such as CCTV cameras). Surveillance is
very useful to maintain social control and prevent/investigate criminal
activity.

The images must be clear and usually have scales. They serve to not only
remind investigators of the scene, but also to provide a tangible image for
the court to better enable them to understand what happened. The use of
several views taken from the different angles helps to minimize the problem of
parallax. Overall images do not have scales and serve to show the general
layout.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

Specific Incidents That Usually Undergone Forensic Photography

SUICIDE

There is some doubt to the circumstances of the death - treat it as a

homicide. Film is cheap, and if the suicide should turn out to be a murder
covered it fully. Don't think it cannot and will not happen. History is full of
murders made to look like suicides.

ASSAULT

It require, overall photograph of the victim injuries. An assault victim

can be photographed like a mini crime scene, with general (big picture)
photographs, mid-range and close-up. Bites marks and other injuries close-
up, use a scale to show the sizes of the injuries; photograph at 90 degrees to
avoid distortion. Use a small aperture especially on curved surfaces such as
an arm or finger to increase depth of field and so ensure the entire injury
image is sharp.

BLOOD SPLASH PATTERNS

Photographs of blood splash patterns, whether they be on a floor, on a

vertical surface such as a wall or even overhead on a ceiling, must be
photographed with the film plane parallel to the surface bearing the stain. A
scale must be included on the same plane as the surface.

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES

These photographs must show the relationships of each vehicle to the

other; the view each driver had on approach to the point of impact; the
direction from which each driver came; debris and marks on the roadway.
This would consider as technical photographs showing damage to the
vehicles.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE PROPER PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

Secure the scene

In all forensic investigations, the first step is to secure the crime scene.

Evaluate conditions
Next, the photographer should evaluate the available light and
weather conditions and adjust camera settings appropriately.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

Shoot the scene
 Photographer should take photographs before anything is
disturbed.
 Many shots should be taken, from the entire scene.
 A tripod, a level, and a small ruler should also be available for
photography
 Always use the designated safe route when moving through the
scene. Avoid disturbing the scene
 When it is necessary to alter the scene, such as by placing
placards or disassembling equipment, always take photographs
of the scene before and after alteration, and with scale when
appropriate.
 Take a complete set of pictures, including overall (long-range),
midrange and close-ups.
 Date and time mode should be done.
 The series of shots should include victims (if present) to show
locations, injuries and condition.
 Each piece of evidence should be photographed to illustrate
where it was found. This establishes the relationships of the
evidence to the victim, the victim to the room and so on.
 These photographs should be taken from straight above or
straight on at right angles, eliminating potential distance
distortions.

Re-‐shoot for new evidence

If investigators mark new evidence, the whole series of shots should be
repeated, including all evidence shots.
Alternate light sources (ALS)
The use of ALS such as lasers, blue or green lights and coloured filters
that help detect processed latent fingerprints or other hidden evidence and
illuminate for photographing.
Remove the film or download the digital images and store in a secure
location according to departmental regulations when photography is
completed.

Who conducts photographic analysis and enhancement?

Once working copies of all the photographs have been created,

investigators can select images for analysis and enhancement. This is
normally done by the photographer or, if available, within the audio/visual
department in the laboratory

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM

How evidence photographs are processed?
 Selected photographs of particular evidence or parts of a scene
may need additional enhancement
 This can be done within the department if the appropriate
software is available or may be sent to a regional specialist. The
most common enhancements include cropping, brightness and
contrast adjustments and coloured processing
 When submitted for courtroom use, the original photograph must
be available for comparison and the technician or examiner
must be able to show and describe any enhancements that
were done, and why.

JE.S ARINGO BSCRIM, RCRIM