What is a scale in forensic photography?
Scales for forensic photography provide a geometrical reference in the photographic documentation of evidence. A common scale used by investigators is a plastic, L- shaped ruler that allows for a dimensional reference in the photographic documentation of evidence or a crime scene.
What type of scale is used in photographing a body?
Large āLā shaped scales are frequently used for photographing footwear impression evidence while small āLā shaped scales are used for photographing injuries such as bruises and bite marks. Longer scales with large, easy to read numbers are used for photographing tire tread impressions and bloodstain scenes.
What are the 4 types of photographs for a crime scene?
These three types of crime/accident scene photographs include overalls, midranges, and close-ups. The overall photographs document the general conditions of the scene, with both exterior and interior views, and how the specific crime scene relates to the surrounding area.
Why do forensic photographers often use scales in their photographs?
When photographing bruises, bites marks and other injuries close-up, use a scale to show the sizes of the injuries; photograph at 90 degrees to the injury to avoid distortion; and use a small aperture especially on curved surfaces such as an arm or finger to increase depth of field and so ensure the entire injury image …
Why are photo Scales important evidence?
Scales are used to provide the viewer with an idea of the size of a mark or an impression. They also allow an examiner to enlarge the photo to its natural size for comparison purposes. Without a scale, it is difficult to compare the characteristics of such evidence as marks or impressions.
What is an ABFO scale and how is it used?
The ABFO No. 2 Scale was designed by the American Board of Forensic Odontology and is used through the country when photographing bite marks on a victim’s body. The three crosshair circles are useful in helping to compensate for distortion resulting from oblique camera angles.
What makes a photograph accurate in a crime scene?
Depth of field is the amount of area in front of (foreground) and behind (background) an object that remains in focus. Lastly, white balance allows the camera to record the proper temperature of light, resulting in an accurate representation of the color tones of objects in the photograph.
What are the 3 types of photographs that need to be taken at a crime scene?
To accomplish this, all crime scene photography consists of three basic types of photographs: overall, mid-range, and close-up.
How do I make my photos admissible in court?
Unless the photograph is admitted by the stipulation of both parties, the party attempting to admit the photograph into evidence must be prepared to offer testimony that the photograph is an accurate representation of the scene.
How many photos should I take of evidence?
At least three photos should be taken of a piece of evidence, one of the whole piece of evidence, a medium view shot of the evidence, and a close up shot of the evidence. Include photos from the overall scene, medium view shots, and close-up shots. Photograph evidence before it is collected.