Crime Scene Photography

There are basic guidelines when photographing a crime scene. In investigator should expect to:

• Photograph the scene in an unaltered condition.
• Fill the camera frame with the object being photographed.
• Avoid shadows 
• Maximize depth of field
• Always keep a log

  A crime scene should be photographed just as it is when the investigator arrives on the scene. The only exception to this rule is when medical care is provided to a victim (s). Photos should be taken in order first with outside areas of the scene, adjacent areas where activity may have taken place prior to or after the crime then moving on to photos that are of the scene itself. The first photo that should be taken is of the photography log form. This should include the type of scene, the case number, location and a description of the camera being used at the scene. This should be SOP at all scenes to provide a uniform way of operation. This SOP would also be useful to denote when the scene begins and ends, especially if an investigator has multiple scenes in one day or the beginning and ending of scenes on one roll of film. To begin:

• Outer areas of the scene are photographed such as probably entry and exit, rooms that are next to the scene and the wall areas of the immediate scene. Photos need to be taken from different angles or points of view. For example a 6' investigator should take photos from less than 6' in the air and at the eye levels of any witnesses present. If there is a deceased victim at the scene all measures should be taken to photograph the area before the victim is moved in any way. Different points of view should be taken in order to show the victim in relation to the scene itself. If a victim is leaned against a wall, photos should be taken of all sides as well as facing the victim. When taking these photos it is common practice to choose one object at the scene and include it in all photos so that a point of reference can be established. If there are witnesses then photos should be taken of them standing where they were when they witnessed said crime.
• The next set of photographs should include evidence found at the scene. For example, if an investigator found shell casings at the scene of a shooting, evidence markers would be placed where the shell casings were located. The investigator would then take photos at about half to a third of the distance of the first set of photos. If there was a table or dresser in the scene area, an overview photo should be taken to identify the items on the table. The center or area where the victim was found should be photographed in great detail from many angles to provide relationship to the area.
• Close up photos should then be taken. These should include 90-degree angle photos of any visible evidence. These photos should be taken first without and then with evidence markers. To use our shooting scene for another example, an investigator would first photograph the shell casing, then the casing with an evidence marker and then finally with a ruler or some type of measurement too to show the scale and size of the casings.

There are several types of lenses that can be used to take the above photos. If an investigator needs to photograph an object at a great distance, perhaps the view from a window, a telephoto lens could be used. A wide angle lens could also be used in this case. When taking close up photos, an investigator could use a macro lens which is designed to take photos from a distance of less than 50 mm and a 1:2 magnification. This is especially useful in photos of tool marks or visible fibers as well. If using a multipurpose camera, an investigator can also adjust shutter speeds to account for the light level available.
Not every case will be in a brightly lit room with a deceased victim. There are other situations that call for a different technique:

• Night scenes- If possible, wait until morning. If not, setting up floodlights is an option but photos should be taken again in the daylight as scenes look completely different. If there are no floodlights and one cannot wait until morning there is a technique called "painting with light". Place the camera on a tripod and  lock the shutter of the camera open. Use the flash of the camera three or four times and then close the shutter. This will provide an investigator with a lit photograph in total darkness.
• Indoor scenes- Starting at the outer areas of the scene and working towards the center, photograph all areas including entry and exit. Then, in order of clockwise take photos from each corner and the middle points of the corners then move on to medium and close range photos.
• Outdoor scenes- If this is a vehicle accident, collect photos of any traffic signs near the area then move on to the clockwise overview photos at the outer areas of the scene. Remember to use GPS coordinates and track them on the log. Most cameras are made using a GPS but a smartphone app will also give coordinates. When photographing the vehicle, it is practice to first photograph the front then left, back then right. Make sure and photograph the license plate and the vin number of the vehicle if possible. If it is a traffic accident, show the weather conditions and even the traffic pattern, catch tire marks. Take several photos from the point of view of each vehicles approach or a person's walk route. Note the condition of each vehicle, inside and out paying attention to airbags, position of drivers seat, and pedals of vehicle.
• Arson- This is another example of taking overview shots of the area. Photograph where the scene is located, people observing the area,  and overview of the burned area. In this case, capture whatever may be a point of origin of the fire.
• Sexual assault- Great care and concern should be taken of the victim. Capture the area where the assault happened. Take medium as well as close up photos of any injuries including bite marks. Photograph the clothing, if any that the victim was wearing.
• Impression Photography- Close up, 90 degree photos of footwear or tire impressions need to be taken before any casts are made. Photos of the direction the impressions came from are also important to note. Be sure and use a scale in the photos.
• Bloodstain photography- taking overview and closer range photos of blood stains help to show their location as well as the direction gravity is pulling the blood, this will help determine the crime as well as the position the victim was in when the bloodstain happened. Photographing a bloodstain requires a scale as well.
• Latent fingerprints- A fingerprint camera is used so that the print will show all detail. If this camera is not available, black and white photos will help to enhance the detail. Include a label in the photo so the place it was taken can be noted.

• Shootings- When photographing a shooting scene, take overview photos before tagging or photographing evidence.  Photos from the point of view of any witnesses as well as the points of view of those involved in the shooting should be taken. If/when a bullet is found, capture the area of the impact as well as the bullet itself. 

Reference: Forensic Science. Richard Saferstein. 2013