Skip to main content
Elsevier
View Cart

Crime Scene Photography

Crime Scene Photography, Second Edition, offers an introduction to the basic concepts of forensic picture-taking. The forensic photographer, or more specifically the crime sce… Read more

World Book Day celebration

Where learning shapes lives

Up to 25% off trusted resources that support research, study, and discovery.

Explore resources

Description

Crime Scene Photography, Second Edition, offers an introduction to the basic concepts of forensic picture-taking. The forensic photographer, or more specifically the crime scene photographer, must know how to create an acceptable image that is capable of withstanding challenges in court. The photographic theory and principles have to be well grounded in the physics of optics, the how-to recommendations have to work, and the end result must be admissible in court.

Based on the author's years of experience in the field at both the Arlington County and Baltimore County Police Departments, this book blends the practical functions of crime scene processing with theories of photography to guide the student in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and ability to render reliable evidence.

This text has been carefully constructed for ease of use and effectiveness in training and was class-tested by the author at George Washington University.

Beginning August 2008, this book will be required reading by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board for all levels of certification (through August 2011).

Key features

  • Over 600 full color photographs
  • Two new chapters on 'The History of Forensic Photography,' and 'Digital Image Processing of Evidentiary Photography'
  • An essential reference for crime scene photography, including topics such as Composition, the Inverse Square Law, Court Cases affecting photography, Digital Image Processing, and Photogrammetry
  • Required reading by the Crime Scene Certification Board of the International Association for Identification (IAI) for all levels of certification

Readership

Students in forensic science programs, crime scene investigator/photographers, law enforcement training centers, police academies and local agencies. Forensic consultants and forensic scientists

Table of contents

Chapter 1 History of Forensic ImagingMy InspirationThe Practical ValueThe HistorySummaryChapter 2 Composition and Cardinal RulesUse-Once (or, Use One Time) Camera versus a Professional Camera SystemComposition and Cardinal RulesCardinal Rules of Crime Scene PhotographySummaryChapter 3 Basic Exposure (Non-Flash) ConceptsThe Proper Exposure TriangleShutter Speed as Motion ControlUsing Slow Shutter Speeds to Eliminate Rain and SnowReciprocal ExposuresThe Reflective Light Meter“Normal” and “Non-Normal” ScenesTools for Determining “Proper” Exposures with Tricky ScenesBracketingThe F/16 Sunny Day RuleCauses for Complete Rolls of Film with Exposure ErrorsCommon FiltersThe Eye Cup CoverSummaryChapter 4 Focus, Depth of Field, and LensesFocusDepth of FieldLensesSummaryChapter 5 Electronic FlashGuide NumbersFlash Sync SpeedsSet the Flash for the Film Used (If Still Using a Film Camera)Manual Flash ModeThe Inverse Square LawAutomatic and Dedicated Flash Exposure ModesBuilt-in Flash UnitsFill-in FlashOblique Light, Both Flash and Non-Flash (Flashlight)Bounce FlashPainting with LightSummaryChapter 6 Crime Scene PhotographyPhoto Documentation FormsOverall PhotographsMidrange PhotographsClose-Up PhotographsThe Photographic Documentation of Bodies and WoundsSummaryChapter 7 Ultraviolet, Infrared, and FluorescenceThe Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS)Ultraviolet Light (UV)Infrared Light (IR) on the Electromagnetic SpectrumVisible Light FluorescenceSummaryChapter 8 PhotogrammetryIntroduction to PhotogrammetryPerspective Grid PhotogrammetryPerspective Disc PhotogrammetryNatural Grid PhotogrammetryReverse Projection PhotogrammetryRhino PhotogrammetrySummaryChapter 9 Special Photography SituationsAccident PhotographySurveillance PhotographyAerial PhotographyUnderwater PhotographySummaryChapter 10 Digital Imaging TechnologiesIn the BeginningExpose Yourself to Digital Imaging Concepts: Bits, Bytes, Pixels, and DotsTake a Picture! It Lasts Longer … Or Does It?Image S&M … Storage and Management of Your Digital ImagesSummaryChapter 11 Digital Image Processing of Evidentiary PhotographyBest Practices and GuidelinesGeneral Guidelines and RequirementsThe Order of EnhancementsGetting StartedThe Imaging Process (The Act Formerly Known as “Enhancement”)SummaryChapter 12 Legal Issues Related to Photographs and Digital ImagesCriteria of Photographs and Digital Images as EvidenceThe Purpose of Crime Scene PhotographsPhotographs of Suspects and EvidenceLegal Implications of Digital ImagingInternational Association for Identification (IAI) Resolution 97-9Case Law Citations Relevant to Film and Digital ImagesCanadian Cases

Review quotes

"[The book] addresses a technically sensitive practice with great accuracy. The writing is concise and easy to understand...The content is well organized and, fittingly, uses ample photographs as examples of both correct and incorrect ways to employ various photographic techniques. Specific topics discussed range from filters, flash, and focus to evidentiary concerns and court presentations. An excellent table of contents and index make finding specific content a breeze…. The text is written primarily for a law enforcement audience. This solid text would serve nicely, however, for security professionals who may need to document accidents, potential hazards, crimes, or property loss. It is an excellent reference and would serve both a novice and experienced photographer."—Security Management Magazine

Product details

About the author

ER

Edward M. Robinson

Edward M. Robinson began his career in law enforcement in 1971, with the Arlington County (Virginia) Police Department (ACPD). After 25 years with the ACPD, Mr. Robinson created the Crime Scene Investigation concentration at The George Washington University for their Master of Forensic Science degree program, and continues there today.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor, Forensic Science Department, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

View book on ScienceDirect

Read Crime Scene Photography on ScienceDirect