Forensic Photographer Job Description

A forensic photographer creates permanent visual records of crime scenes and accident scenes. With their photos, forensic photographers show evidence as detailed and objectively as possible. The photographs are used by law enforcement, in court trials and in articles and research papers.

Equipment and Techniques

Forensic photographers obtain photographic evidence with highly specialized equipment such as ultraviolet and infrared photography and optical microscopes. They also use video equipment.

Crime Scene Activity

These photographers take pictures of the entire crime scene, from overviews of larger areas to close-up, highly detailed images of fingerprints, footprints, hair, bullet holes and more. They must be able to work without disturbing evidence or interfering with the work of detectives and other law enforcement officials.

Additional Duties

Forensic photographers keep records listing where pictures were taken, along with the type of equipment and methods used. They might be asked to create visual aids and charts and to testify in court.

Combination Jobs

Depending on the department, forensic photography often is part of a more general crime scene investigator job. This photographer also takes fingerprints and gathers other evidence from crime scenes and might work in the crime lab.

Considerations

Although the work can vary from routine to fascinating, the photographer must be able to handle disturbing crime and accident scenes. They take pictures of serious injuries, fatal accidents, gruesome scenes and bodies.

References

• Forensic photogapher career profile

Resources

• Check out a forensic photographer's website

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