Contents

Preface

xv

Chapter 1 Investigative Photography Skills

1

INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY DEFINED AS A SKILL SET
1
Technical Skills 3
Photojournalism Skills 4
Forensic Skills 5
CHAPTER 1 SUMMARY
5

Chapter 2 Methods for Documenting and Collecting Evidence

7

CONCEPTS OF INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
7
Defining the Purpose of a Photograph 7
STANDARD PHOTOGRAPH SETS
9
Overview Photographs 9
Midrange Photographs 11
Close-Up Photographs 12
Determining the Number of Photographs to Take 14
ESTABLISHING PHOTOGRAPHS
15
REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHS
15
Color References 15
Witness References 16
Measurement and Instrument References 16

APPLICATIONS OF INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
19
Accident Scene Photography 19
Photographing Fatal Accidents 23
Photographing Wounds 23
Imprint (Impression) Photography 25
Motor Vehicle Accident Photography 26
Fire Scene Photography 27
Surveillance Photography 32
Underwater Photography 35
Aerial Photography 36
CHAPTER 2 SUMMARY
38

Chapter 3 Photography Techniques

41

LIGHT AND CAMERA PERFORMANCE
41
Bracketing 44
Flash Photography 46
Photographing Moving Objects 50
Landscape Versus Portrait Views 51
Panoramic Photographs 51
Close-Up Photography 52
Existing-Light Photography 53
Photographing Reflective Surfaces or Through Glass 54
HOW TO HOLD A CAMERA
55
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PHOTOGRAPH IS GOOD ENOUGH?
56
CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY
58

Chapter 4 Sketching and Drawing for Investigative Photography

59

ELEMENTS OF A SCENE SKETCH
59
Completing A Photography Sketch 63
CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY
65

Chapter 5 Film and General Photography Equipment

67

CAMERAS
67
Weather 68
Camera Care Guidelines 69
Lenses 69
Filters 70
EXPOSURE METERS
73
FILM
74
Slide Film 74
Storage of Negative and Prints 75
SCANNERS
76
TRIPODS
76
CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY
77

Chapter 6 Digital Photography Equipment

79

DIGITAL CAMERAS
79
Image Sensors 82
Camera Software 82
Memory Cards 83
Zoom Features 83
Image Stabilization Features 84
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 85
Viewfinders 86
ISO 87
White Balance 87
Exposure Modes 87
Metering 87
Batteries 88
DECIDING ON THE RIGHT DIGITAL CAMERA
88
Tips for Choosing a Camera 88
CAMCORDERS
89
CASE STUDY
91
CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY
91

Chapter 7 Videography

93

VIDEO DOCUMENTATION
93
OSHA VIDEO GUIDELINES
94
OSHA TECHNICAL MANUAL: VIDEO GUIDELINES FOR ERGONOMIC EVALUATIONS
96
CHAPTER 7 SUMMARY
98

Chapter 8 Using Photography to Support Training

99

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TRAINING
99
COMPUTER ASSISTED TRAINING
100
CHAPTER 8 SUMMARY
101

Chapter 9 Developing a Program for Investigative Photography

103

PROGRAM BASICS
103
Range of Uses 105
Assessing the Need for Photography 106
Four Steps for Developing a Photography Program 106
ESTABLISHING OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF PHOTOGRAPHS
107
SELECTING CONTRACT PHOTOGRAPHERS
108
PROTECTING TRADE SECRETS
109
PHOTOGRAPHY PROHIBITED BY LAW
110
CHAPTER 9 SUMMARY
111

Chapter 10 Investigative Photography Program Procedures

113

PHOTOGRAPHER SAFETY
114
Personal Protective Equipment 115
Safety Briefing 116
Fall Protection 116
Protection from Machinery 117
Protection from Moving Vehicles 117
Safety Issues Involving Use of Flash Equipment 117
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
118
SCENE DOCUMENTATION OR EVIDENCE COLLECTION PROCEDURE
120
Photography Logs 121
Labeling Photographs 124
Photograph Information Map 125
EQUIPMENT STORAGE
126
CHAPTER 10 SUMMARY
127

Chapter 11 Photographs and Legal Proceedings

129

MAKING THE CASE FOR TAKING A PHOTOGRAPH
130
GENERAL TYPES OF QUESTIONS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
132
Photography Questions 132
Questions about Your Experience, Knowledge, and Training 132
Questions about the Photography Process 132
Questions about Specific Photographs 132
SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
133
Questions about Your Experience, Knowledge, and Training 133
Questions about the Photography Process 135
Questions about Specific Photographs 137
PHOTOGRAPH PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
138
CHAPTER 11 SUMMARY
140

Chapter 12 Practical Exercises for Investigative Photography

141

EVALUATING PHOTOGRAPHS
142
EXERCISE 1 // ACCIDENT SCENE PHOTOGRAPH
142
EXERCISE 2 // DOCUMENTING MEASUREMENTS
143
EXERCISE 3 // BRACKETING EXPOSURES
144
EXERCISE 4 // STANDARD FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS
145
EXERCISE 5 // VEHICLE ACCIDENT STANDARD SET
145
EXERCISE 6 // EXISTING-LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
146
EXERCISE 7 // EXISTING-LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY (ADVANCED)
146
EXERCISE 8 // FLASH BOUNCING
147
EXERCISE 9 // PHOTOGRAPHING REFLECTIVE SURFACES
148
EXERCISE 10 // PHOTOGRAPHING MOVING VEHICLES
148
SUGGESTED ANSWERS FOR EXERCISE QUESTIONS
149

Appendix: Photography Procedures in Field Operations Manuals from OSHA State Plans

153

Interviews

155

Glossary of Terms

159

References

163

Index

165