FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

LESSON PLAN 

TITLE : Forensic Photography

 COURSE : Criminal Investigation Course 

INTRODUCTION: 

The criminalist and investigator could not rely on their memories in which photograph
would serve as a sort of artificial memory for them. Remembering all the things they
had examined or investigated would be impossible after several years before the case
is presented in court. They need and preserved the things they had examined and
investigated for future references and court presentation. 

Photography can be used for identification, record, preservation and substitution of

evidence of a crime. It can discover things which could not be seen by the naked eye
as photography extends man’s visual limitation take for instance an obliterated
writings, written words under super imposed ink which on the same in color to the eye
could be separated and shown singly by infrared photography. Object hidden in boxes
and other container may be detected and identified by X-ray photography. The writing
chemically erased can be restored by ultra-violet photography. 

Photography is one of the fastest mean of preserving the physical appearance of an

object or evidence such injuries sustain by victim or suspect which may change as
time goes by. It also help the Judges and lawyers to easily appreciate how the crime
look like without going to the crime scene which may have different view as compared
to the time the incident happened. It help illustrate how an object look like without
having going to explain by eye witnesses on how it look like as to the color, shape,
extend of damage, size etc. 

SESSIONS: 

1. Definition of Terms 

Photography – Is derived from the Greek words, photos- which means light and graphy
which means – to draw. It is defined as a science or an art of process of producing
images of objects by the action of light on sensitized surface with the aid of an image-
forming device known as camera and its accessories and the chemical process
involved therein. 

Forensic – is derived from the word forum- which means place for legal debate. 
Forensic Photography – deals with the study of notion of photography, its application
to law enforcement work and the preparation of photographs for court presentation. 

Photograph – is the mechanical result of photography. To produce a photograph, light

is needed aside from sensitized materials (film and paper). 
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Camera – a light tight box; with a lens to form an image; with a shutter and
diaphragm to control the entry of the image; a means of holding a film to record the
image/ and a viewer or viewfinder to show the photographer what the image is. 
Lens – a medium or system which converges or diverges light passing thru it to form
images. 

Film – a cellulose tape embedded with sensitized solution capable of recording images
thru light. 

Infra-Red Photography – is the art or process of photographing or recording unseen

objects by the naked eye by means of infra-red light. 
Ultra-Violet Photography – is the art or process of photographing unseen objects by the
naked eye with the use of ultra-violet rays and filters. The main purpose of
photographing ultra-violet photography is to provide information about an object or
materials, which cannot be obtained by ordinary photo methods. 

Macro Photography – is photographing of object at greater that 1:1 ratio up to nine (9)
times magnification. It is the making of enlarge copies of prints such as photographs
of tampered serial number of firearms, engine number and chassis number of motor
vehicle and the like.  

Micro Photography – is the art or process of photographing minutes objects and

magnified by means of the microscope and enlarge from 10 times up. 

Mug-shot – is the process of taking photographs of the suspect/s in full length, half
body, right and left side views, and two quarter views. To unidentified cadavers,
include marks on the victim’s body especially tattoo/scar for identification. 

Angle of view – the amount of area visible when looking through a lens. Angle of view
is determined by the focal length of the lens. The angle of view for a standard 50 mm
lens is approximately 47 degrees; for a 28 mm wide angle lens, it is 75 degrees; for a
135 mm telephoto lens, it is 18 degrees.  

Depth of Field – the distance between the nearest and the farthest objects in apparent
sharp focus when the lens is focused at a given point. 

Aperture/ f-stop – a lens opening. The hole or opening in a camera lens through which
light passes to expose the film. The size of aperture is either fixed or adjustable.
Perturb size is marked in f-stops. 

ASA – stands for American Standard Association. An early organization or group  that
determines the numerical ratings for film speed. A number which represents a film’s
sensitivity to light. AT present, the organization which rates film speed is the ISO 
(International Standard Organization). 

DIN – a numerical rating used to describe the emulsion speed or light sensitivity of
German made films. Deutche Industries Norm (DIN). 

Single-Lens-Reflex (SLR) Camera – a type of camera that allows the photographer to see
through the camera’s lens when viewing through the viewfinder. 
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Normal Focal Length – A lens which has a focal length approximately equal to but not
more than twice the length of the diagonal of the negative material. Angle of view
exceeds 75 degrees but not less than 45 degrees. 

Wide Angle Lens – A lens which has a focal length less than the diagonal of its
material. Angle of view exceeds 75 degrees.  

Long or Telephoto Lens – A lens which has a focal length equal to more than twice the
diagonal of the negative material. Angle of view less than 45 degrees. 

Zoom Lens – Lenses which allow the user to continuously vary the focal length
without changing the focus. 

2. Elements of Photography
a Object - The subject of the picture and can be anything under the sun. b Light - May
be from many different sources, principally daylight, but there are many sources of
artificial light which can be used. 
c Camera - See definition  
d Sensitized Materials - Its either be film and paper. In the film type camera it is
always film, now on digital, its electronic memory. 
e Chemical Process - The chemical involved to process a film now on digital, can be
printed directly on photo paper or ordinary paper. 

3. Importance of Crime Scene Photography 

a Permanent Record 
A permanent record of the crime scene is considered indispensable to a successful
presentation of the case in court. A crime scene that is altered through careless and
haste can never be restored to its exact original condition. 
b Significance of certain aspects of the crime scene  

In the initial stages of an investigation, the significance of certain aspects of the crime
scene may not be evident, although later they may vitally affect the issues in the case. 

c Reconstruction of the crime scene 

A study of photograph can also assist the trained investigator in reconstructing the
crime scene and developing conclusions about how the crime occurred. In addition,
the photographs will make the job of the prosecutor much easier when a case is
presented in a court room. When necessary, photographs can be coordinated with
crime scene sketches or drawings that made to scale. 

4. Basic Requirement of a Photograph Admitted as Evidence in Court 

No matter how extensive the photographic efforts are at the crime scene, photographs
must stand the test of legal admissibility. The general standards used to review the
credibility of the photographers are: (See Figure 1) 
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a Accurate representations of the crime scene or the object it purports to

reproduce.

b Free of distortion 
c Material and relevant to the point in issue. 
d Unbiased. 
Written report on the proper chain of custody of photographic evidence. The chain of
custody of the photographs must be maintained. The film should be removed from the
camera and taken directly to processing unless some secure facility is available for
overnight storage. If this does not occur, the judge or jury may disregard this most
important evidence under the theory that the film may have been tampered with (Take
statement of person who processed the film if different person process it indicating
that it was processed in normal procedure).  
e A written record that indicates a detail information about the photographs
such as the case number, location’s address, date, time, incident, name
of victim, name of investigator, name of photographer, camera used, type
of film used, objects photographed, weather condition and etc.  

5. Uses of Photography in Crime Investigation 

a Identification of the subject 
We produce pictorial record of everything regarding the crime to include the nearby
surroundings. It is always better to take too many photographs than too few then
select the best. It is useful in personal identification as well as in the
identification of missing person, identification of stolen and lost
properties.  
A mug shot photography is taken on suspect for identification that shows the following
angle: 
1) Frontal whole body, from head to foot with height scale behind. (could be
with case number and name included) 
2) Frontal half body, head to elbow. 
3) Half body right side, head to elbow. 
4) Half body left side, head to elbow.  
5) Left Quarter view (half body-head to elbow) 
6) Right Quarter view (half body-head to elbow) 
Note: The PNP Crime Laboratory is doing Composite Criminal Illustration by free hand
and by the computerized method. This can be made possible when a witness to a
crime have personally seen the suspect’s face. An accurate and detail description of
the suspect by a witness can help bring the actual facial description of the suspect
through the composite criminal illustration which would help in identifying the
suspect.  
  

 Free Hand Computer Generated 

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b Preservation of evidence 
Preserve from necessary handling which might cause the evidence to deteriorate or
otherwise become altered. 
c Description of the Crime Scene 
It proves statements. In some instances, investigators are compelled to reconstruct or
describe in court the details of the crime scene they have investigated several months
ago but with the bulk of cases they have handled perhaps they may not exactly recall.
With the aid of photographs, investigators will not find hard time to describe things in
details. It provides a second look and often reveals detail that is not apparent during
the physical examination. It records all things that an investigator may fail to notice. 
d Substitution to original documents/evidence 
A photograph can be made as a representative of any evidence or documents. It helps
the expert witness in illustrating their findings. It is also used to reproduce and copy
documents. 
e Record 
In court proceedings, judges, fiscals, and defense lawyers have generally never visited
the scene of the crime. Photographs greatly facilitate them in interpreting the scene. It
assists the court in understanding the case. It records all things that an investigator
may fail to notice. 

6. Procedure in Photographing the Crime Scene 

The goal is to record useful information in a series of
photographs which will enable the viewer to understand where and
how the crime was committed. The term “crime scene” not only refers
to the immediate area where the crime took place, but also
to adjacent areas where important acts took place immediately before
or after the crime was committed. Taking photograph of a crime scene
starts from general to specific, however, in some circumstances
photograph of some important evidence or item is taken immediately
when such object need to be move or may change in appearance or
disappear as time pass.  

To enable the viewer of the photographs gain a clear concept of

its position with reference to other objects at the scene, the following
procedure be observed: 

a General View or Long-range 

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General view or long range photographs of the overall scene fundamentally are taken
to portray the areas as if a person viewing the scene is seeing it from the standing
position. To obtain this result, the photographer takes the photograph with the
camera at eye level.  
b Medium View or Mid-range 

Medium view or mid-range photographs are taken in a

manner which portrays the scene from approximately ten to twenty
feet of distance from the subject matter. In order that the viewer be
permitted to associate the crime scene with separate areas of the
scene photographed, these areas should contain sufficient details to
permit the viewer this association. 

c Close-up View/ Range 

Close-up range photographs are normally taken

approximately five feet or less from the subject matter. The attention
of close-up photography is directed to object which could be effectively
seen in the long-range and mid-range photographs. 

Take necessary extreme close-up shot on the subject to

show the extent of damage, objects that is small in size such as
fingerprints, shoe print, tool marks, fibers, hair, injury, blood splatter,
documents, tools, etc. Always take a second photograph with a scale
to show the actual size of the object and the camera must always be
parallel to the film plane (use tripod and a measuring scale/device to
be more accurate ). 

7. Sequential Photographs of the Crime Scene 

Each crime scene has individual features that should be
photographed. Keep in mind the nature of the offense and try to show
those features that establish the elements of the offense. Photographs
should be taken of: 

a Views of the exterior of the building/ vehicle in relation to other buildings/

vehicles, roads/ streets, etc. 
b Point of entry and exit outside and inside. 
The point of entry an exit should be shown in such a
manner that the marks of force will be shown clearly. A scale should
also be visible but never place a suspect tool into the tool mark
because it may alter the evidence. 
c Interiors of the crime scene/ room. 
When photographing the interior of a crime scene or a room, use a
35mm  camera lens instead of wide angle lens. A wide angle lens
creates distortion, especially  when close-up photographs are taken.
Take photograph from all corners to cover-up all  sides of the room
(overlapping), if possible a top view photograph of the floor.  
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d Condition (s) of the crime scene. 

It shows how thing or objects found at the scene and the
general result of the incident. 
e Articles left at the scene.
f Area from which valuable articles were removed. 
g Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers and cigarette butts. 
h Tool marks and impressions of shoes or tire tracks. 
i Fingerprints as well as articles on which these
prints may be found. ∙ Helpful Hints in taking
photograph of a crime scene 
Signs of activity prior to the occurrence, such as the
telephone receiver off the hook or wires cut, playing cards orderly
stacked or scattered, TV and lights turned on, food in cooking stages,
coffee cups, drinking glasses or liquor bottles, time watch and clock
stopped should be recorded on film. In general, articles apparently in
use immediately prior to the commission of the crime or which appear
to have been disturbed from their customary position should be
photographed. 
In suspected rape cases, the purpose of the photography is
to record information or signs of any struggle at the scene where the
attack occurred, or indications of the victim’s effort to resist attack;
such as bruises, black and blue marks, torn clothing, etc. Bite marks
should be photographed using oblique lighting, with and without a
measuring device at the crime scene and also the morgue. 
In a rape-homicide investigation, infrared photography of
the body may detect latent bite marks since hemorrhaging can occur
in tissue under the skin. The location of foreign hairs and fibers,
biological fluids and stains should be obtained and if the victim is a
minor,. Secure a written permission from the parent or guardian. It is
recommended that the victim’s physician be present when such
photographs are made. Blood spatter on walls should be
photographed with the lens parallel to the stain so that directionally,
the direction of the blood flowed can be determined. 
In sexual exploitation of children’s case, every room in a
suspect’s residence should be photographed even if no physical
evidence (such as photographs or video tapes) are found during a
crime scene search. Chances are the suspect has concealed this
materials at another location. Rarely will these photographs be
discarded since they represent a trophy or remembrance of the
conquest. When these photographs are recovered, they may be
compared with the crime scene photos to prove they were taken in the
suspect’s dwelling. Occasionally, a suspect will place his own camera
on a tripod and using a cable release or self timer, will photograph
himself with his victim. Usually, he will compose the photographs so
his face is not seen. However, if the photograph is sharp enough, the
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suspect may still be identified through physical characteristics such

as scars, marks, wrinkles, etc. 
In death due to asphyxia as a result of a hanging, doubt
sometimes exist as to whether the occurrence is murder, suicide, or
an accident. Photograph the original position of the body to help in
determining the manner of death. Overall view of the body and rope
should be taken at torso and foot level. Show the height of the body
above ground; a murderer usually tries to raise the body completely,
while the suicide victim frequently never gets his feet off the ground
and is sometimes found in a sitting position or half-prone position.
Photographs should be made to show the relative position of any
object, such as a chair or a stool, which appears to have been kicked
from under the feet of the deceased. 
Subject for close-up shots are the knots, its size, type and
location on the neck; depth and location of the grooves in the neck;
black-and-white marks around the edge of the groove (here, color film
is especially helpful); signs of violence about the neck, suggesting
prior strangulation; protrusions of the tongue, binding of the hands
and feet, etc. 
In drowning case, the body is usually the sole object of
interest. But did the deceased actually die of drowning or was he
thrown into the water after death from some other cause. The
photographic operation should be directed towards those facts which
will help to resolve this question. Color film is exceptionally useful
here since many of the significant clues may be matters of
discoloration. Photograph the whole
body, body from the position of standing observer and from the
ground level. The latter view will show any distinction of the body.
Close-up should include any foam about the mouth; wounds, peculiar
markings, bruises, or unusual discoloration; articles such as seaweed,
grasped in the hand; and any rope or wire bindings. Many of these
views can be made at the morgue before autopsy.  

8. Parts and Function of a Camera 

There are hundred of different types of camera, though many
are similar, none of them work exactly the same way even the same
brand. Learning the basic function of a camera is more complete with
the Single-Lens-Reflect (SLR) Camera which represents the different
function or operation of a camera.  

a Basic Parts of the Camera 

1) Viewfinder  
The viewfinder enables a photographer to see the
subject. There are basically two types of camera viewfinders. The first
type will allow you to look through the lens of the camera while the
other will enable you to view at a plane parallel to the camera lens. 
2) Focusing Mechanism 
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SLR and DSLR cameras have another mechanism called

the focusing mechanism, which is normally you can focus well using
the viewfinder itself but SLR has focusing meters.  
3) Shutter 
The camera shutter is a device that enables light to enter
through the lens for small period of time to enhance the exposure of
photographic film. There are different types of shutters used in
modern day cameras like leaf shutter, diaphragm shutters, focal plane
shutter, projector shutter and central shutters. 
4) Lens 
This is considered to be the most important part of the
camera. It is a far more important than the glossy dials and other
advanced features that are part and parcel of modern day digital
cameras. A basic camera lens comprises of multiple elements that will
help you to add a creative element to your photography. The multiple
elements in a camera lens help in directing light to the camera
sensors so that it can get high clarity of the object being shot. The
main aim of the lens and its multiple elements is to reduce any kind
of aberrations. 
5) Body  
The body of the camera helps in limiting the amount of
light that exposes the sensitive film that is why it is being called light
tight box. 

b Types of Sensitize Materials 

1) Films are mostly in SLR and point and shoot cameras. There are different
types of films available in color or black and white. Color films include
slow films (25-64 ISO), medium films (100-200 ISO), fast films (400-1000
ISO) and ultrafast films (1600-3200 ISO). 
2) Sensitize Paper – It can be a black and white or colored. It can have
different texture such glossy, semi glossy and others. 

9. Steps to follow to obtain good photographs  

a. When inserting a roll of film in the camera, you must always
set your ASA dial according to the film speed as stated on the film
cartridge. This adjusts your built-in light meter to the film's light
sensitivity. 

  
Commercially available Films ASA 50, 100, 200, 400 
b. For crime or accident scenes outdoor during day time, the
shutter speed on the camera should be set at 1/125 sec. This is
usually a good starting point for the
shutter speed in outdoor bright daylight. Your shutter speed could
change from a slower speed to a faster one depending on the light
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intensity and ASA of the film used at the time the photograph is
taken.  

  
Shutter Speed B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 
  
Number 1 stands for a whole second and the others are
fraction of a second. The shutter speed of 125 is capable of stopping
the movement of the subject. 
Note: Use a shutter speed faster than 1/30 of a second for all
hand held photographs. The camera must be supported with tripod,
etc. for shutter speeds of 1/30 of a second or slower. A body move and
camera shake when pressing the shutter release button may register
in the photographs. 

c The lens opening or f-stop. The size of the lens opening in your camera is
the other factor that determines the amount of light that reaches the film.
The indicator on the camera for the degree of light passing through the
camera lens is called the “f” number. The smaller the “f” number the
bigger the opening and vice versa. Much like fast films and slow films,
there are fast and slow lenses. A fast lens, for instance, is one that
transmits more light. The user should be cautious, however, since fast
lenses do not produce the sharpest images. The aperture affects the
depth of field on the image, the higher the number, the smaller the lens
opening, the smaller the lens opening, the greater depth of field. 
Standard F-stop of cameras f/1.4, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6,
f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22  

 f/1.4 f/5.6 f/22 

d Adjust your light meter needle as seen in the viewfinder by turning the
aperture ring located on the barrel of the lens until the needle is properly
lined up. When the needle is properly lined up, this tells the
photographer that the light entering the camera will produce a properly
exposed photograph (Some camera uses light that brink as red, orange
and green).  
 Yellow Green Red 

 + 3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3 Less Average Much 

e Your final step in available light photography is to compose your shot and
focus. You must control your breath before pressing the shutter release
button. 
 Split Method 
 Object  
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Out of focus Sharp   focus Microprism

   Ground Screen 

10. Lighting Techniques 

a Electronic flash (Note: Disregard the light meter in the camera when using
electronic flash) 
b Flash off camera 
c Bounce flash 
d Bounce off a white or light colored surface
e Manual flash: Add the distance up and down for the flash-to-subject
distance then figure in the absorbance loss (one to three f/stops) 
f Automatic flash with sensor facing the subject; use a range for two times or
more times the actual flash-to-subject distance. 
g Multiple flash 
h Available light 
i Painting with light 
Your flash is so important that deserves special consideration.
It serves as your artificial light. It must be with you at all times. With
experience, you may be able to learn how to use the flash to duplicate
almost any type of natural lighting. 

Even without experience, the flash can help improve crime

scene photography a great deal. You normally need front lighting and
the flash mounted on the camera will provide it automatically. The
problem is the shadow produced by the flash and possible reflected
light from shinny subject that may affect the photograph. 

Steps to Follow to Obtain Properly Exposed Film in

Artificial Light (i.e. Flash) Photography: 
a. Your flash unit, now being your main light source, must be adjusted to
the proper ASA setting according to the speed of the film being used-for
the same reasons you adjusted the camera light meter to the film speed
being used (Follow the manual).  
b. Flash adjustment will be in accordance to the distance and lens opening
you wanted to use for your shots. Some digital camera flash has
automatic setting base on the setting made on the camera. 
c. When choosing a setting you must keep in mind both the distance
requirement and the desired DEPTH OF FIELD (DOF).  
d. When using the MANUAL MODE, always ensure your Aperture setting
corresponds with the distance indicated on your flash scale. Also, check
the Thyristor Sensor to ensure that you have set it "M" position.  
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NOTE: When using a flash as the light source, adjustment must

be done to both the camera and the flash unit in order to obtain a
properly exposed photograph.  

SUMMARY: 

Forensic Photography is a very broad topic but this module

only includes those topics that are useful to field investigator and is
helpful in the investigation of crimes. In this topic, we learn the
different definition of terms use in this lesson, the uses and
importance of photography in crime investigation. The different
procedures and techniques on how to take photograph of a crime
scene and physical evidence, the effect of light on the photograph as
well as the use of artificial light to help obtain good photograph in
various condition. The requirement for the admissibility of the
photographic evidence in court, the forms or documents required to
ensure authenticity of the photographs taken from a crime scene. The
students will be able to operate the SLR camera and know the
different processes involve to produce a good photograph. 

The students are required to have a hands-on practice on how

to operate the camera (SLR). Will be given a scenario and make the
practical exercises applying the different methods and techniques in
taking photographs of a room and critiques follows after showing the
results. Test questioned of 5 to 10 will be given to measure the level of
knowledge gained by the students.
Republic of the Philippines 
Department of the Interior and Local Government 
National Police Commission 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE 
____________________________ 
_____________________ 
 Date SOCO/CASE REPORT NR: ______________ 

SCENE OF CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET 

SPECIMEN ENTRIES-PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN 
FRAME  APERTURE  SHUTTER  SUBJECT  LIGHTING  REMARKS
NR  SPEED 
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USE EXTRA SHEET FORM IF NECESSARY 

CAMERA USED:  FILM TYPE: 

LENS USED:  FLASH UNIT:

DEVELOPING TIME:  DEVELOPED BY:

FIX TIME:  LACATION:

PRINT PAPER:  DATE & TIME:

COMMENTS

TIME BESTARTED:

PHOTOGRAPHER:  TIME ENDED:

INCIDENT:  WHEATHER CONDITION: 

OFFICER ON CASE:  LIGHTNING CONDITION: 

REQUESTING PARTY:  DISPOSITION:

PLACE OF INIDENT: 

 Prepared by: Certified Correct by: Noted by: 

_____________________ ___________________________
_________________________ Photographer SOCO Team Leader Chief
of Office