Forensic Digital Imaging and Photography

Forensic Digital Imaging and Photography covers each facet of digital imaging-how to select equipment, when to use it, how to produce a good image, and how to present that image in court. It clarifies the difference between what can be done digitally and what should be done in a forensic setting, and helps the reader "learn by doing" with exercises and step-by-step instructions.

Key Features:

• Teaches the basics of digital imaging and how to choose the right tool for each job
• Describes how to master specific tasks such as scanning, selecting media for archiving, configuring a digital imaging system, setting the proper resolution, adjusting the image, comparing images with known samples, and much more
• Includes detailed graphics of the photography and imaging tools, and dialog boxes to describe each function
• Provides easy-to-follow instructions for each exercise in the book, including required images
• Describes potential pitfalls of using digital technology

Law enforcement officials who follow the recommendations in this text can feel confident that their handling of imaging evidence will stand up to the high standards necessary for presentation in criminal cases. Topics covered in the book:The opening chapters teach the basics of digital imaging and how to choose the right tool for each job. The remaining chapters show how to:

• Scan original negatives and slides with a film scanner
• Scan photographs, line drawings, and documents with a flatbed scanner
• Select the best equipment for the job
• Select the best media for archiving
• Configure and use a digital imaging system
• And more

Exercises provide step-by-step instructions on how to:

• Size and set the resolution of an image
• Adjust highlights, shadows, contrast, color, density, etc.
• Record each action performed on the images
• Separate images into color channels
• Graphically compare wounds with weapons and compare handwriting exemplars with questioned samples, etc.
• Remove backgrounds from fingerprints using FFT filters
• Use a sizing tool to adjust images for direct comparison
• Use frequency filters to enhance hidden facial features