Crime Scene Photography

Crime Scene Photography is very crucial aspect of crime scene investigation. It captures the scene of crime the way it is which gives important clue about the location and positioning of physical evidences at a crime scene. This helps in refreshing the visual memory of Crime Scene Investigation and Scientific Officers and aids in Crime Scene Reconstruction too. Also, it establishes the relation of a certain physical evidence with a specific crime scene.

The crime scene photography is done from various angles and distances in order to show:

1. Nature and location of a physical evidence at a crime scene

2. Relationship of a physical evidence with the overall crime scene

While taking the photographs of the physical evidences at a crime scene it is very crucial that a scale or ruler or any measuring instrument is kept alongside the evidence in order to measure the dimensions of the evidence. Also, the case number and evidence number should also be kept while taking photographs of the evidence.

1. Overall Photography-

This type of photography takes photographs from a wide angle to capture the overall crime scene. It is important as it shows the various elements of a crime scene such as entry and exit point of a crime scene.

2. Mid-range Photography-

Mid-range photography is important as it captures the evidence, its location, background view, measurement, marking, and exact position in a crime scene and it establishes the relationship of an evidence with the specific crime scene. Be sure that the scale is placed while taking the mid-range shots of evidence to measure the dimensions of the evidencesalong with the case number and evidence number.

3. Close-up Photography-

Close-up photography shows the nature and condition of the evidence at a crime scene. Be sure that the scale is placed while taking the close-up shots of evidence to measure the dimensions of the evidences along with the case number and evidence number. Another point to keep in mind is to align the camera parallel with respect to the surface/evidence so as to eliminate the shadows. A scaffolding or ladder may be used for photographing larger items.

• Ultraviolet photography

• Infrared photography

• Macro photography

• Panoramic photography

• digital photography

• fluorescence photography

• multiple photography 

Crime scene photography plays an important role in collection of evidence at the crime scene, as it documents the appearance and location of victims, fingerprint impressions, footprint impressions, bloodstain pattern, and other physical evidences and produces a permanent visual record in front of the court among other utilization.

• Start the crime scene photography before disturbing the crime scene.
• Make sure that evidence marker or evidence number is placed alongside the evidence at a crime scene.
• Always keep a scale or a ruler or any measuring instrument alongside the evidence while taking the photograph.
• Make sure to take photographs from all the distance- overall, mid-range and close-up so as to fulfil the purpose of crime scene photography