| Abstract [eng] |
It reflects on current approaches to crime scene photography described in numerous photographic publications but it also includes the observations and suggestions of profilers and photographic examiners who analyze these photographs for forensic evidence. Forensic photography is the art of producing an accurate reproduction of a crime scene for benefit of a court. It is part of the process of evidence collecting. I have been dealing also with a whole course on the purpose of forensic photography. This includes recording the original crime scene, recording all evidence, providing a permanent visual record and understanding the admissibility of photographic evidence and covers basics of crimes regardless of the kind There are procedures that need to be followed and there are some specific only to that particular crime. For example, with homicides color film must be used. Photographs must be taken of the exterior and interior of the building. Photos must be taken of the body itself from as many as five different angles, the adjoining rooms, close up of body wounds, any weapons found, any trace of evidence such as blood, any signs of struggle, any signs of prior activity to the homicide, such as drink on a table and all views that witnesses had there were any. I also found out an area of photography that typical forensic photographer did not get into. As with all other types of photography, a forensic photographer first has to learn the basics of the equipment that is used such as cameras, lenses, filters, flash, types of film and a number of other items. The aim of photography and an image, as I came to know in my diploma thesis, should be to record a maximum of useful information which will enable the viewer to understand where and how the crime was committed. It is very important to record much more information than those areas in which acts of violence or crime took place. Photographs can be instrumental in recording the victim’s lifestyle and personality too. Long range, medium range and close-up photographs should be taken to enable the viewer to gain a clear concept of where each object or area interrelates to another. Aerial photographs are particularly important in serial rape or murder investigations since they geographically link scenes together. Overlapping photographs should be taken of the exterior of the crime scene to show its locale in relation to the rest of neighborhood. The videotaping crime scene has become common practice in many jurisdictions. Various forces and different countries have different policies in records to conventional or digital photography. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Conventional photography has a high resolution, enabling great enlargement should details in a picture need closer examination. Digital photographs usually have an automatic date and time maker on each image, so that authenticity can be verified. Due to continued advances in digital technology and software, digital cameras are increasingly being used by most Police forces. They provide a tangible image for investigators and the courts to better enable them to understand what happened. |
