In this 40-hour Crime Scene Photography course, students are introduced to the components of cameras and the science behind crime scene photography. Crime scene photography is the detailed documentation of the overall layout of and items within any crime scenes by controlling the lighting, exposure, focus, and composition of the subject or subjects being documented. Photography is vital to investigative work because it captures the crime scene in a true and accurate manner. Crime scene photos are also used often in court. In some cases, photos communicate more about crime scenes and related evidence than a written report. Photographs also provide a permanent visual record of the crime scene.
Students will have the opportunity to learn in depth about each part of a digital camera including the lens, viewfinder, body, shutter release, aperture, image sensor, memory card, LCD screen, flash and user controls. Hands-on labs are also included in this course. Labs include activities involving shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, and photographing our staged crime scene rooms. Additionally,at the conclusion of the course, students will be given the opportunity to present their photographs to the class from indoor and outdoor “crime scenes.”
Learning Objectives
By the end of this Crime Scene Photography course students will be familiar with:
- The operation of the digital camera
- Camera functions and features
- Use of lighting, flash, alternate light source
- Depth of field
- Photo sequencing and composition
- Macro photography
- Videography
- Admissibility and court challenges of photo
Students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the basic operations of a digital, single lens reflex (DSLR) camera
- Understand photography terminology and how to use lighting techniques, flash, and filters
- Apply alternate light sources and timed exposures
- Photograph crime scenes in low light and difficult settings
