How to Take Crime Scene Photographs
Crime scene photographs provide permanent, concrete evidence of a crime. Used in court to support or refute a case, crime scene photographs are vital in a court of law. Learn how to properly take crime scene photographs to ensure you capture the scene of the crime in its entirety.
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Instructions
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Arrive at the scene of the crime and check that your equipment is in working order and that you have film in the camera and extra film if needed. Clean the lens of the camera to remove any debris that might alter the outcome of the photographs.
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Realize that three basic types of photographs are taken at every crime scene and each type is vital to capturing the crime scene. A crime scene photographer should take overview shots of the scene to document the scene as a whole and the surrounding in which the crime occurred.
Mid-range photographs are taken that focus in on different areas of the crime scene and show how various pieces of evidence relate to one another. Close-up photographs are taken to show the detail of the evidence left at the crime scene. -
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Shoot the crime scene at different angles to document the scene in its entirety. Pay attention to light sources to avoid shadows and use the flash on your camera to attain a constant light source.
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Use a tripod to keep your camera steady while taking photographs of a crime scene. Cameras that move produce photographs that are grainy and blurry, making these photographs useless in a court case.
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Tips & Warnings
Never disturb the crime scene for any reason.
