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A person skilled in the technical aspects of photography and knowledgeable of the specialized forensic requirements involved in the photographic documentation of evidence and in the presentation of photographic-based demonstrative evidence in court.
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| A Forensic Photographer must --
first -- be a highly competent photographer who can reliably take
good quality photographs. You would expect that a Forensic
Photographer will produce clear and complete images which will
adequately document the evidence items, injury, or scene. A Forensic
Photographer must be able to produce good images of evidence items
-- both wide and close up; crime and accident scenes (with the
ability to recognize the significant elements); injuries on live
bodies; and full documentation of dead bodies at the scene and at
autopsy. Forensic photography often requires an unusually high creative application of photographic principles and technology. Forensic photography is often done outside of the studio environment; in the real world where you have to find a way to get the shots you need without disturbing the scene. This is due to the fact that many forensic photography "targets" such as crime scenes, bodies, explosives, and evidence items like bloodstains, body parts, fingerprints, etc are usually highly transitory, perishable items which will only be available to document for a limited time and/or which cannot be manipulated or positioned for the best photographic angles and lighting. Additionally, while there are many highly skilled and experienced photographers, only a few understand the special legal requirements involved in producing images to be used in court, litigation, and/or legal documentation. It should also be understood that the complete duties of a Forensic Photographer have not been formally defined. Most agencies utilizing FP's have their own idea of what the role is and isn't. Many governmental agencies expect that a FP also be skilled in the use of video production and basic video editing and in the use of digital image editing software like Photoshop. A Forensic Photographer should also be someone with the experience and credentials sufficient to qualify as an expert witness in court. |
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How Do You Become a Forensic Photographer? To my knowledge, there are no accredited schools providing a degree or course of instruction in forensic photography. The most common path is simply to learn the basics of photography and then build up experience on-the-job while working for a law firm, law enforcement agency, crime lab, etc. There are two accrediting agencies which certify Forensic Photographers: The International Association for Identification and the Evidence Photographers International Council. Both of these organizations have rigorous requirements for certification. You can find out their requirements by visiting their websites. |
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Forensic
Photographer
