Forensic Photographer
Forensic Photographers are mostly known through detective shows such as CSI.
While it may not always be quite as glamorous as depicted on TV, forensic
photography is still a fascinating area of photography.
While it is the job of many other photographers to interpret a brief, it is the job of the Forensic Photographer to produce accurate, detailed photographs that faithfully record the location and evidence as clearly and as objectively as possible.
Forensic photographs are used for measurement or analysis, to accompany forensic reports, articles or research papers.
Since the subject matter often relates to accident, injury or criminal investigations, Forensic Photographers will be expected to be able to work efficiently in distressing and challenging environments, without disturbing other evidence or interfering with the work of other investigators.
While it is the job of many other photographers to interpret a brief, it is the job of the Forensic Photographer to produce accurate, detailed photographs that faithfully record the location and evidence as clearly and as objectively as possible.
Forensic photographs are used for measurement or analysis, to accompany forensic reports, articles or research papers.
Since the subject matter often relates to accident, injury or criminal investigations, Forensic Photographers will be expected to be able to work efficiently in distressing and challenging environments, without disturbing other evidence or interfering with the work of other investigators.
§ Forensic
Photographers produce a permanent visual record of the scenes of accidents and
crime scenes for use as evidence in court.
§ They must be able to
produce detailed recordings of all the available evidence at the scene,
including overview photographs as well as accurate images of tire marks,
fingerprints, footprints, blood spatters, bullet holes and other unique
evidence at the scene.
§ They must also be
able to take detailed photographs of injuries sustained through accidents or
assaults and may also be required to photograph dead bodies
§ Many Forensic
Photographers are forensic scientists employed directly by the police or a
specialist forensic services company.
§ They work pre-defined
shifts and enjoy the benefits of a salaried post.
§ There are also other
independent Forensic Photographers who provide forensic photo imaging services
to lawyers, insurance companies and some police forces.
§ Photographers
specialising in forensic imaging are usually expected to work unsociable
shifts, and be part of an on-call rota.
Typical career routes
While most Lead Photographers in Forensic Photography Units will usually have a strong background and qualification in photography, most Forensic Photographers start as Crime Scene Investigators or Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) before specialising in photography and forensic imaging.
While it is not necessary to have a formal photographic education in order to gain work as a CSI, some photographic qualification (e.g. BTEC National Diploma in Photography) or previous photographic experience will often enhance the chances of selection
.
Vacancies for Forensic Photographers are advertised in the national press and in specialist journals such as New Scientist, Police Review and the British Journal of Photography.
Essential knowledge and skills
Typical career routes
While most Lead Photographers in Forensic Photography Units will usually have a strong background and qualification in photography, most Forensic Photographers start as Crime Scene Investigators or Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) before specialising in photography and forensic imaging.
While it is not necessary to have a formal photographic education in order to gain work as a CSI, some photographic qualification (e.g. BTEC National Diploma in Photography) or previous photographic experience will often enhance the chances of selection
.
Vacancies for Forensic Photographers are advertised in the national press and in specialist journals such as New Scientist, Police Review and the British Journal of Photography.
Essential knowledge and skills
§ Forensic
Photographers need a thorough grasp of photographic principles, particularly
those involving non-standard techniques, such as high-intensity and low level
aerial imaging, as well as an appreciation of the importance of their work.
§ They must also pay
close attention to detail, and take a meticulous approach to image and data
recording.
§ They must be able to
select and use the best equipment and techniques for the job in all
environments and lighting conditions.Photographs must be
correctly lit and exposed, have maximum depth of field, be free from distortion
and be in sharp focus. Experience of digital imaging techniques is also
desirable.
Training and qualifications
Forensic Photographers usually receive general training in crime scene photography once they have already been selected as a Crime Scene Investigator or a Scene of Crime Officer. The qualifications necessary to gain work as a CSI or SOCO are usually at least good passes at GCSE or Standard Grade, including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or Maths, and at least one A level or Higher in a science subject.
A typical route to employment a Forensic Photographer is to complete a recognised course in photography (e.g. City & Guilds or BTEC National Diploma in Photography) and to apply for jobs with police forces or specialist forensic service companies, taking advantage of subsequent on the job training.
There are also some specialist courses that deal with forensic photography and forensic imaging, as well as photo imaging modules on forensic science degree courses. More specialised training in Fingerprints, Footwear, Vehicle Examination, Lighting and Documents is often conducted within the photographic units of the police forces or forensic science companies. Some employers may also support work-based courses, such as NVQ/SVQs.
Employers may support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. Photo Imaging NVQ/SVQs are currently available at levels 2, 3 and 4.
Health & Safety
All photographers need to understand Health & Safety legislation, and should be capable of assessing and managing the risks and potential dangers associated with the use of electrical lighting, equipment and props. Forensic Photographers may be subject to physical stresses from carrying heavy camera equipment and lighting, indoors and out, in all seasons and all environmental conditions. They should therefore seek advice about appropriate techniques for lifting and moving equipment. There may also be a range of other risks specific to their area of work and they should seek suitable training in appropriate risk management procedures and best practice.
Training and qualifications
Forensic Photographers usually receive general training in crime scene photography once they have already been selected as a Crime Scene Investigator or a Scene of Crime Officer. The qualifications necessary to gain work as a CSI or SOCO are usually at least good passes at GCSE or Standard Grade, including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or Maths, and at least one A level or Higher in a science subject.
A typical route to employment a Forensic Photographer is to complete a recognised course in photography (e.g. City & Guilds or BTEC National Diploma in Photography) and to apply for jobs with police forces or specialist forensic service companies, taking advantage of subsequent on the job training.
There are also some specialist courses that deal with forensic photography and forensic imaging, as well as photo imaging modules on forensic science degree courses. More specialised training in Fingerprints, Footwear, Vehicle Examination, Lighting and Documents is often conducted within the photographic units of the police forces or forensic science companies. Some employers may also support work-based courses, such as NVQ/SVQs.
Employers may support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. Photo Imaging NVQ/SVQs are currently available at levels 2, 3 and 4.
Health & Safety
All photographers need to understand Health & Safety legislation, and should be capable of assessing and managing the risks and potential dangers associated with the use of electrical lighting, equipment and props. Forensic Photographers may be subject to physical stresses from carrying heavy camera equipment and lighting, indoors and out, in all seasons and all environmental conditions. They should therefore seek advice about appropriate techniques for lifting and moving equipment. There may also be a range of other risks specific to their area of work and they should seek suitable training in appropriate risk management procedures and best practice.
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