Forensic Photography

Forensic photography, also known as crime scene photography, is the accurate visual documentation of a crime scene and the physical evidence within it. Photographs preserve the scene exactly as it was found and serve as vital records for investigation, reconstruction and presentation in court.

A forensic photographer captures overview, mid-range and close-up images, using scales for reference, and employs specialised techniques such as ultraviolet, infrared and oblique lighting photography to reveal evidence such as fingerprints, bite marks, bloodstains and document alterations that may not be visible under normal light.

Rules of Crime Scene Photography

The scene is photographed before anything is disturbed, progressing from general to specific – overall views, mid-range shots relating evidence to its surroundings, and close-ups with and without a scale for identification and measurement.

Specialised Techniques

Ultraviolet, infrared and alternate light source photography help visualise latent evidence, while oblique (side) lighting is used to record impressions such as footwear marks, tool marks and indented writing.