Forensic Photography and Electronic Imaging

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Discipline Overview:

Clear and thorough documentation of crime scenes and evidence is vital in criminal investigations and adjudications. Details matter and it is up to these professionals to paint the picture of the scene, context and location of evidence, extent of injuries and/or damage, etc. To ensure evidence admissibility, their photos must be relevant, material, and probative without being overly prejudicial. Such professionals are tasked with: requisitioning necessary equipment and software, maintaining it, saving original and working copies of captured images and/or post-processing efforts (records retention), creating photo logs, and generating supplemental narrative reports about their efforts and conclusions. They are frequently called to testify as factual and/or expert witnesses to admit photo exhibits and/or discuss and justify analytical conclusions or opinions. Many also serve as local, national, and/or international trainers for other law enforcement, forensic, and legal professionals.  

Forensic Photography and Electronic Imaging Subcommittee Chair

Stephanie Hoffman, UT, USA

Committee Members

Return to Forensic Disciplines

Qualifications:

Most Forensic Scientists will have a minimum of a B.S. in Forensic Sciences, note that many especially in major metropolitan areas will have an M.S. in Forensic Sciences. Both basic and advanced coursework and training in forensic photography are key and have even been noted in the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) Accreditation Standards. It is rare to only be a photographer at scenes/morgues or in the lab. Thus, Crime Scene Specialists, Crime Lab Analysts, Law Enforcement Officers, Medicolegal Death Investigators, and Medical Examiners must be well versed in such imaging techniques as it is a standard component of their professional responsibilities.  

Certification:

Certification Page

Standards:

Resources:

For more information about the Forensic Photography and Digital Imaging Discipline, below are some helpful resources:

Informational Websites:

Journals:

Organizations Relevant to this Discipline:

Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association International, Inc. (LEVA)

Information for Teachers:

Ideas for more Research Projects: