The technical features of a DSLR camera can be challenging for many crime scene investigators and law enforcement professionals. This course aims to make students feel more comfortable making adjustments on their cameras beyond just the basics. Students then take their new technical camera skills and apply them to challenging crime scene situations where camera set up, proper equipment and specific techniques are key to producing quality crime scene documentation photos.
Day one begins with a review of how light interacts with a camera and how we as users adjust the camera for proper exposure. The day continues with a discussion of proper crime scene photo composition and making advanced adjustments.
Light and the DSLR camera
Shutter speed, aperture & ISO
Crime scene photography composition
Understanding advanced adjustments
What not to adjust
Day two builds upon day one where students learn the characteristics of bloodstain patterns, bloodstain pattern enhancements and proper application techniques of these chemicals.
Basic chemistry of Amido Black and Leuco Crystal Violet (LCV)
Proper application and documentation of Amido Black and LCV
Basic principles of chemiluminescent reactions (BlueStar)
Proper application of chemiluminescent reagents
Camera set up and photography of chemiluminescent reactions
Day three introduces students to firearms and projectiles as evidence. With an emphasis of safety, student will learn how to search for, document and collect evidence produced by firearms.
Sodium rhodizonate testing
Documenting a shooting incident scene
Photographing trajectory rods and LASERs
In day four, students learn advanced photography techniques to help them better document the crime scene and evidence items.
Comparison quality photography
Long exposure and flash photography
Physics of UV/IR light
UV/IR use at the crime scene and for evidence processing
Photography using UV/IR
On the last day of class, students focus on perfecting their report writing skills and then learn how to properly convey their crime scene processing techniques to a court and jury.
Proper documentation and note taking
Crime scene report structure
Use of photos and diagrams
Voir dire and qualifications
Presenting forensic concepts to the jury
If you have any questions about registration email us at firstname.lastname@example.org
Students will need to bring any camera equipment normally carried while on duty.
(Camera kit rental is available. Select option during registration)