Forensic Photography: Concepts and Applications for better crime scene examination

N D N A Mendis

doi:10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7429

Abstract

Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. “Photography is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining the evidence to others”. The objective of forensic photography is to record an event, a scene, or an object correctly. It is always better to go for a good digital camera with an interchangeable lens. The physical size and quality of the image sensor along with the corresponding optics play a much bigger role in image quality than megapixels alone. Basic idea about exposure, depth of field and framing a shot is important to take a proper photograph. Photography is an important tool in most forensic examinations. Equipping all medico-legal units with necessary photographic equipment and providing a trained photographer is a very important action regarding the development of the field.

Highlights

Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera
[2] For more than 150 years since forensic photography was considered as evidence in the court of law photographers have had many difficulties in explaining various facts about photographs including technical aspects
Photography is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining the evidence to others.[5]

Summary

Introduction

Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. Forensic photography is not just an exercise of taking beautiful photos – it is an exercise which reproduces various forensically and legally important facts as permanent record and piece of evidence. When a photograph of a forged document was presented and allowed as courtroom evidence in 1851 photography as a forensic tool was born and soon became a boon to cases of identification and scene analysis.[1] Since it has grown from strength to strength and become an essential part of forensic investigation. [2] For more than 150 years since forensic photography was considered as evidence in the court of law photographers have had many difficulties in explaining various facts about photographs including technical aspects. No one will be able to accurately document an item, scene or a moment someone else saw it.[3]

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion