Course Introduction

FSP 304 : Forensic Photography

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Forensic Photography, also termed as Crime Scene Photography is a subject of great help in aiding the criminal investigation processes. The main objective of photographing the crime scene is to maintain the reliability of the evidences encountered at a crime scene. Crime scene, being temporary and fragile in nature, needs to be secured and the evidences, along with their actual positions needs to be safeguarded to maintain their authenticity in the court-room. Therefore, photographing, videographying, note-making and proper documentation are a must requirements while processing a scene of crime.


The foremost duty of an Investigator is to ensure the safety of the crime scene, in a manner so that no clue, even the slightest of all, goes unnoticed by the eyes of an Investigator. As in the science of Forensic, evidences play a vital role in the trial process. Therefore, the investigator should produce every evidence physically along with their photographs, in order to elucidate the court regarding their condition and position at the respective scene of crime.


The photographing technique will be taught to the students which is of great use while photographing the scene of crime. The photographing of a crime scene takes place in three manners:

>>  Over-view photography is done to capture the overview image of the scene of crime covering all the details along with the evidences through various angles.

>>  Mid-range photography, ensures covering the details with a quite closer approach.

>>  Close-up photography is performed individually on each evidence, in order to cover even the minutest detail of a specific evidence. The injuries present on a body, a hair strand, bloodstains on walls and floor etc. are a few examples of the evidences pictured with a close-up approach.


Other than making students aware of the various photographing techniques, students will also be taught about the different manners of photographing depending upon the situation, as the technique of photographing in daylight and night-time, photographing prints as fingerprint, shoe-print, palm-print, foot-marks and so.


The completion of this course with a detailed theoretical and practical sessions will ensure the students with a myriad options to enhance their careers in one of the most audacious and challenging fields of forensic. Through their boundless skills and techniques, they could have a promising career ahead.

  • Level I : Forensic Photography

    MODULE 1 – CONCEPT OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module include the introduction of photography which explain the quality of photography, their developmental history which cover the precursor technologies and invented technologies, basic principles and techniques of camera, concept of light, colored photography (black and white photography), digital photography, development in photography and enlargement (film photography, synthesis photography, dual photography and light field photography) and portable electronic device.

    MODULE 2 – PHOTOGRAPHY AND CAMERA

    This module covers the introduction of photography and camera, history of camera, about camera - types of camera (compact digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, mirror-less cameras, action cameras, 360 cameras and film cameras), parts of camera (body, lens, sensor, flash card and battery), depth of field, angle of view, focal length, parts of lenses (wide-angle lens, standard lens, medium lens, telephoto lens and ultra-telephoto lens), exposing, developing and printing, linkage of camera and film negative and explain the method of crime scene photography and laboratory photography.

    MODULE 3 – CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

    Crime scene photography has the forensic importance. This module include the introduction of crime scene photography, photo documentation forms which cover the some steps, overall photography, mid-range photography, close-up photography which have the evidence included biological evidence, chemical evidence, patterned evidence and trace evidence, the photographic documentation of bodies and wounds and photography of artifacts.

    MODULE 4 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION I

    This module covers the introduction of evidence photography and documentation, crime scene documentation which include the following steps (secure the scene, evaluate conditions, shoot the scene, photograph the victims, photograph the evidence, evidence markers and re-shoot for new evidence), document and fingerprint photography and enlargement, photographic documentation of bodies, wound and injuries, photographing and documenting an accident crime scene, photographic documentation of blood stains on walls, floors and clothing and photographic documentation of impression evidence (friction ridge, foot wear and tire).

    MODULE 5 – PHOTOGRAMMETRY

    Photogrammetry is the discipline of making measurements from photographs, in which photographs of real world object or scene will be converted into a map, drawing, measurement or a 3D model. This module covers the information about the term photogrammetry, perspective and natural grid photogrammetry and reverse projection photogrammetry.

  • Level II : Forensic Photography

    MODULE 1 – CONCEPT OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module include the introduction of photography which explain the quality of photography, their developmental history which cover the precursor technologies and invented technologies, basic principles and techniques of camera, concept of light, colored photography (black and white photography), digital photography, development in photography and enlargement (film photography, synthesis photography, dual photography and light field photography) and portable electronic device.

    MODULE 2 – PHOTOGRAPHY AND CAMERA

    This module covers the introduction of photography and camera, history of camera, about camera - types of camera (compact digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, mirror-less cameras, action cameras, 360 cameras and film cameras), parts of camera (body, lens, sensor, flash card and battery), depth of field, angle of view, focal length, parts of lenses (wide-angle lens, standard lens, medium lens, telephoto lens and ultra-telephoto lens), exposing, developing and printing, linkage of camera and film negative and explain the method of crime scene photography and laboratory photography.

    MODULE 3 – CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

    Crime scene photography has the forensic importance. This module include the introduction of crime scene photography, photo documentation forms which cover the some steps, overall photography, mid-range photography, close-up photography which have the evidence included biological evidence, chemical evidence, patterned evidence and trace evidence, the photographic documentation of bodies and wounds and photography of artifacts.

    MODULE 4 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION I 

    This module covers the introduction of evidence photography and documentation, crime scene documentation which include the following steps (secure the scene, evaluate conditions, shoot the scene, photograph the victims, photograph the evidence, evidence markers and re-shoot for new evidence), document and fingerprint photography and enlargement, photographic documentation of bodies, wound and injuries, photographing and documenting an accident crime scene, photographic documentation of blood stains on walls, floors and clothing and photographic documentation of impression evidence (friction ridge, foot wear and tire)

    MODULE 5 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION II

    This module provides the further information of evidence photography and documentation which covers the major topic of photographic documentation of traffic accident scenes, scenes regarding arson and explosives, violent crime scenes, special considerations for digital photography and legal foundation for photographic evidence.

    MODULE 6 – PHOTOGRAMMETRY

    Photogrammetry is the discipline of making measurements from photographs, in which photographs of real world object or scene will be converted into a map, drawing, measurement or a 3D model. This module covers the information about the term photogrammetry, perspective and natural grid photogrammetry and reverse projection photogrammetry.

  • Level III : Forensic Photography

    MODULE 1 – CONCEPT OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module include the introduction of photography which explains the quality of photography, their developmental history which cover the precursor technologies and invented technologies, basic principles and techniques of camera, concept of light, colored photography (black and white photography), digital photography, development in photography and enlargement (film photography, synthesis photography, dual photography and light field photography) and portable electronic device.

    MODULE 2 – PHOTOGRAPHY AND CAMERA

    This module covers the introduction of photography and camera, history of camera, about camera - types of camera (compact digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, mirror-less cameras, action cameras, 360 cameras and film cameras), parts of camera (body, lens, sensor, flash card and battery), depth of field, angle of view, focal length, parts of lenses (wide-angle lens, standard lens, medium lens, telephoto lens and ultra-telephoto lens), exposing, developing and printing, linkage of camera and film negative and explain the method of crime scene photography and laboratory photography.

    MODULE 3 – CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

    Crime scene photography has the forensic importance. This module include the introduction of crime scene photography, photo documentation forms, overall photography, mid-range photography, close-up photography which have the evidence included biological evidence, chemical evidence, patterned evidence and trace evidence, the photographic documentation of bodies and wounds and photography of artifacts.

    MODULE 4 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION I

    This module covers the introduction of evidence photography and documentation, crime scene documentation which include the following steps (secure the scene, evaluate conditions, shoot the scene, photograph the victims, photograph the evidence, evidence markers and re-shoot for new evidence), document and fingerprint photography and enlargement, photographic documentation of bodies, wound and injuries, photographing and documenting an accident crime scene, photographic documentation of blood stains on walls, floors and clothing and photographic documentation of impression evidence (friction ridge, foot wear and tire).

    MODULE 5 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION II

    This module provides the further information of evidence photography and documentation which covers the major topic of photographic documentation of traffic accident scenes, scenes regarding arson and explosives, violent crime scenes, special considerations for digital photography and legal foundation for photographic evidence.

    MODULE 6 – SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SITUATION

    Photography is the best method to capture the crime scene which can be helpful in further analysis. There are different situations in which special photography techniques are used to document that scene which is described in this module. So in this module learner will be able to acquire the knowledge regarding accidental photography, photography taken by surveillance cameras, taken from an aircraft while in flight (Arial Photograph) and taking photos underwater.

    MODULE 7 – PHOTOGRAMMETRY

    Photogrammetry is the discipline of making measurements from photographs, in which photographs of real world object or scene will be converted into a map, drawing, measurement or a 3D model. This module covers the information about the term photogrammetry, perspective and natural grid photogrammetry and reverse projection photogrammetry.

    MODULE 8 – LEGAL ASPECTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module covers the legal aspects of photography which provides the detailed information about micro and macro photography, sketching and photography of the scene of crime, effects of photography and post processing, basics of different Photoshop and legal consideration which should be kept in mind related to crime scene photography.

  • What is Forensic Photography?

    Forensic Photography deals with the photographing of a crime scene, in order to present the evidences along with their actual positions at the crime scene. Photography is an important section of Forensic Science.

  • How can I become a Forensic Photographer?

    The course is designed for empowering the keen learners of photography with the fulfillment of objectives of forensic. The learners are introduced to various types, conditions, why, when, and how of the situations for photography from the Expert's point of view. 

  • What are the responsibilities of a Forensic Photographer?

    The Forensic Photographer has to capture the evidence as such located at the crime scene. This is ensured to have an authenticated and real idea of evidence condition and location at the scene of crime even if it faces any damage.

  • What are the scope and the opportunistic aspects of the course?

    The learners may aim for Forensic Photographer in various Government Forensic Science Laboratories at Central as well as State level. One can also practice as a self-employed photographer working for the police, private, and other law enforcement agencies.

  • Where can I contact in case of any queries?

    You can write to us at education@sifs.in or call us at +91-1147074263 or WhatsApp us +91-7303913002 or +91-7303913003.


R V Suzanne Holdsworth

Suzanne was jailed for life in 2005 for the murder of 2yr old Kyle Fisher. It was held that she had repeatedly banged his head against a banister rail. This sentence was quashed on appeal and a retrial ordered.

The investigators were instructed by Stephenson’s solicitors to re-examine the photographed injury marks and the comparisons made with the banisters by the prosecution scientist. They also examined the furniture, fixtures and fittings that were present to see if they could equally have been responsible for the baby’s injuries.

They also concluded that other items of furniture could also have produced the shape of the injuries to Kyle. Medical evidence further indicated that Kyle could have had an epileptic seizure causing him to thrash about. The presented evidence, along with the new medical evidence resulted in the acquittal of Suzanne Holdsworth

Kalikota Sumanya

4

I really enjoyed your course and continuous evaluation.It is very thought provoking with great presentation style.Thank you for a great course.

Satyam Jain

4

Thank u for the course and all the information that u provided it is very useful for us.

Soumita Konar

5

As I am a different field student,I am very much new to it ,the course was very informative and useful I learnt many new things from here,I specifically thanks Ranjeet sir and his team for this course.

Tanya Bhardwaj

5

It was really a knowledge sharing course. i came to know about so many things. I really thank to SIFS for putting up such course. Someone said that no one will stop you if you are really willing to learn and share your knowledge with others and guess what SIFS proved that. Thank you.

Aswathy K P

5

It was a wonderful course. I got to learn new aspects of photography. Instructors did a very good job in explaining all the doubts whenever I wanted.

 

Instructors

Arti Varshney

Arti Varshney

Scientific Officer
Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director
Neha Jain

Neha Jain

Senior Scientific Officer

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