FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Chapte
r4
APPLICATIONS
OF
PHOTOGRAPHY
IN POLICE
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

After the theory, comes actual

practice. "Every difficult endeavor
requires the integration of two
important areas so success can
be obtained theory and practice“.
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

A special
camera with a
chair
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

A Graflex
Identification
camera
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

Photography has and continues to serve

a wide variety of functions in our criminal
justice system. The extent to which
photography can be applied in the
different pillars of our criminal justice
system will depend on the size of the
organization, its financial capabilities, and
the enthusiasm imagination, and skills of
A. INTRODUCTION:
GENERAL
APPLICATIONS

1. Identification
purposes

a. Prisoners, a person
subject of investigation
A. INTRODUCTION:
GENERAL
APPLICATIONS

a. Unidentified
cadavers
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

c. Missing
persons

d. Lost or
stolen
properties
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

2. Recording
and preserving
of evidence

a. Crimes scenes

b. Traffic accident
evidence
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

c. Objects of
evidence

d. Evidential
traces
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

3. Discovering and proving evidence not

readily seen by the naked eye.

a. Contrast control by lighting, use of filters,

use of different films and papers

b. Magnification or enlargements of tiny

objects by the application of
photomacrography or macrophotography
A. INTRODUCTION:
GENERAL
APPLICATIONS
–Photomicrography is
the taking of photographs
through a microscope.
The camera is attached
to the eyepiece, and it is
the lens of the
microscope that it is the
lens of the microscope
that is used in
photographing evidence.
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

Photomacrography
or
Macrophotography-
is the taking of a
photograph with a
short focus lens. It is
an extreme close-up
of all objects to be
photographed to 1:1
or an actual size or
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

Microphotography- is the
taking of a photograph of
an object in a
much-reduced size or tiny
images of large objects,
for example, a microfilm.

c. Use of invisible radiation

like x-rays, ultraviolet rays,
and infrared rays.
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

4 Recording action of
offenders

a. Surveillance

b. Entrapment

c. Extra-judicial confession

d. Re-enactment of crime
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

5. For court exhibits

a. Individual
pictographs
b. Slide projections
c. Comparison charts
d. Motion picture or
video coverage
presentation
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

6. For crime
prevention

Visual presentation for

lectures on traffic
education, modus is
operandi of “con game
artist” snatchers, and
hold-uppers, etc.
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

7. Public information

Photographs for press

releases, posters of
wanted animals, crime
alerts, etc
A. INTRODUCTION: GENERAL APPLICATIONS

8. Police training

Prepared training films or video

presentations of personnel
indoctrination, polo tactics,
investigative techniques, traffic
control, civil disturbances
(demonstrations com riots or
prison disorders,
documentaries for pre- and
post-briefings on polos
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
1. Identification
Photographs

• An identification
photograph should be
an accurate likeness
of the subject, from
which he can be
recognized by
witnesses or police
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
1. Identification Photographs

• These photographs should strive to reproduce

every mole, scar, wrinkle, and other mark that will
help identify the subject.
• Generally full front lighting will accomplish it. The
standard photograph for identification is the heat
and shoulder shot of the subject's front and profile
(either full side view or quarter face).
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

• The ear person is a very distinctive feature for

identification so every effort to show it must
be observed especially with women or even
men with long hairs.
• Shots with closed eyes or squinted eyes
should be retaken to show the normal
appearance of the subject's eyes.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

• Full-length body shot or stand-up is

sometimes taken on suspects of serious
crimes like in a robbery case where a witness
has seen the suspect at a distance or while
running.
• A person should be photographed with his
head uncovered. If he normally wears
glasses, he should be photographed with
them and another without glasses.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
• At a police headquarters
or station, an ample
space should be
reserved for an
identification gallery
where two lights with
reflectors, and a clear
and white background
can be set up so
identification
photographs can be
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

• The basic arrangement would be that the

lamp on the right of the camera will be 12
to 18 inches higher than the lens while
the lamp on the left will be 12 to 18
inches lower than the lens. The camera
must be parallel to the subject's face with
the lens on the level of the eye of the
subject.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

• In taking photographs
of unknown cadavers
for identification
purposes, the face shall
be washed and cleared
of mud, dirt, grease, or
other foreign matters
before the picture
taking.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

• Usually, the subject is

lying on his back so
to maintain the
parallelism of the
camera and the face
the photographer
must stand straddle
the body of the victim.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

In photographing objects of evidence or evidential

traces to show their original appearance at the condition
when received for laboratory examination, the standard
procedure on lighting, camera position, data board, and a
ruler or measuring device placed at the bottom side of
the subject must be observed at all times.

At this point, while black and white photographs are still

accepted, color photographs are preferred.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

2. CRIME-SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHY

a. General consideration

The primary purpose of

crime-scene photography is to
provide information that will
assist the successful
investigation and subsequent
prosecution of a criminal
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Generally, crime scene photography serves in the following
areas:

1. To provide the investigator and the prosecutor with an accurate

pictorial presentation of the appearance and position of objects at
the scene.

2. To aid in the questioning of suspects and witness when their

sworn statements are being taken.

3. To present to the court an accurate picture of the scene

thereby enabling them to understand the evidences better and
evaluate intelligently the testimony concerning the distances of the
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Take note that photography is a means of visual

communication basically with a more universal
way of conveying a message or idea than
spoken or written words. The aim or goal is to
record maximum information in a series of
photographs which will enable a viewer to
understand WHERE and HOW the crime was
committed.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

As a basic guideline, the approach to complete

representation of the subject matters is the progression of
general to specific". This will involve the coverage of the
crime scene from different major vantage positions:
Series of photographs to be taken at a crime scene

a. The long range or general view

b. The medium range or medium view
c. The close-up
d. The extreme close-up
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

The photographic range or views can be

categorized as:
a. Focusing on the location of the crime
b. Concentrating on the features of the offense
c. Centering on the result of the crime
d. Featuring the physical evidence existing at the
scene
e. Focusing on the follow-up activity not directly
occurring at the immediate scene.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

b. Perspective/camera position

Since crime scene photographs are designed

to present to a viewer of the areas as would
have meet the eyes of an average observer
the procedure for taking the photographs is
straight forward.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
c. Lenses

Two lenses are usually

sufficient at a crime
scene- a wide-angle lens
and a normal lens. Very
seldom that a telephoto
lens is needed. A macro
zoom lens is the most
ideal for crime scene
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

d. Lighting

Usually, existing room lights, daylight, and

artificial lights may be satisfactory for taking
photographs of crime scenes. However,
because of a wide variety of lighting conditions
in different areas of a room, there is a need for
supplemental or additional lights.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
d. Lighting

The use of a photoflood lamp

to add illumination to a room
or a scene is sometimes
considered it is often
impractical because electrical
cords can get along the field
of view of the camera, can
impede free movement within
the scene, and setting it up is
often time consuming.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

e. Markers in the field of view

Because of the objection of some lawyers and

the courts to marking devices appearing in the
photographs of crime scenes, it is therefore
wise or prudent to take photographs without it
and one with. The legally accepted markers or
marking devices are the following:
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
1. Ruler or measuring device
Rulers, yardsticks, or tape
measures can show relative sizes
and distances between objects. It
can also show the degree of
magnification or reduction of the
final print. These rulers must be
placed beside the subject. In the
case of fingerprints or handwriting,
they are usually placed at the base
to maintain uniformity of location in
photographs that will be used for
comparison charts.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
2. Identification data

A small sign is usually placed at the scene, but its data should
be limited to the date time location, and case or job
number.

3. Location markers

These can be sticks or numbered signs to show specific

locations of small objects not readily seen in an over-all
photograph in selecting a marker, avoid using an article which
resembles an object that is originally found in the scene.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

In placing these markers mentioned above, care

must be exercised so that they will not obscure,
conceal, or interfere with any significant part of the
subject. The usual part practice of some
investigation of placing chalk marks pointing to
bullet holes or tiny objects at the same scene
should be avoided until all photographs without it
are finished.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

f. Photographers Log

When responding to a case, a record of the data

regarding the circumstances surrounding or related
to the picture taking of the crime scene must be
noted for instant recollection. Usually, this
information written on a notebook is transferred to
the original request form where the negative will
eventually be attached before entering the file.
C. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
C. SPECIFIC CRIMES

1. Homicide or Murder

Since the investigation of

death has a wide variety of
forms, photographs should
provide information
concerning the manner
and cause of death of the
victim.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

A. Manner of Death

To help explain how the

crime took place, show
from several angles the
whole scene and all
possible elements of the
crime.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Photograph of a murder
victim
a. General consideration

1. Exterior of the building

including surrounding areas
which will show place and
manner of entry or exit,
places of concealment,
visibility of various points,
shoe or footprints, tire
impressions, broken branches
or shrubs, etc
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
2. The room or area
where the body was
found. Also adjoining
rooms.

3. Evidence of struggle
such as overturned
chairs, broken objects,
or articles in disarray.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

4. Signs of activities prior to the occurrence like the

presence of playing cards, bottles of liquors,
cigarettes butts, T.V. or radio sets on, etc. In
general, articles apparently in use immediately prior
to the commission of the crime or articles that have
been disturbed from ordinary position as well as
articles whose presence is foreign or "don't belong
to the scene.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
5. Traced evidence like
marks of conflict on the
body, on clothing, tracks
of bloodstains
fingerprints, shoes or
footprints, fragments of
glass, metal, and other
potential clue materials.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

To show the body in the scene and its position

about the articles in the room, at least two
photographs of the body should be taken at a
right angle to each other. The camera position
should be drawn from the normal position of an
observer. Other photographs should include
close-ups of visible wounds and other special
aspects of the conditions of the body and the
weapon.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Cause of Death

a. Crimes involving firearms. In cases where firearms

were used in the commission of a crime, the work of the
photographer is more difficult and complex. The taking of
photographs must be in consultation and advice of a
forensic ballistician and a medico-legal officer.

From the ballistician's opinions determine the distance at

which the firearm was fired and other issues relating to
the trajectory.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
b. Hanging

In death apparently due to hanging,

doubt sometimes exists whether the
occurrence is home and apparently due
to accidental. The original position of the
body off of prime Importance Naturally,
the necessity of administering first aid
measures results in complete change in
the original position. If the body was
found undisturbed the photograph that
will help determine the manner of death
is in overall views the photo grand the
rope taken at torso and foot level.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
b. Hanging

Show the length of the

body to the ground it is
said that a murderer
usually tries to raise
the body completely
while in suicide
frequently does not get
his feet clear on the
floor and is sometimes
found sitting or
half-prone position.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Close-up shots are the knot,
its size, type, and location on
the neck, the depth and
location of the groove in the
neck, black and blue marks
along the groove (use of color
film is advised), signs of
violence about the neck,
protrusion of the tongue, or
binding in the hands or feet.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

c. Drowning

In drowning case, the body is usually the object of interest since

the crime scene itself is uncertain except the location of where the
body was found floating or snagged

Photograph the whole body both from the standing observer

position and from ground level position. Close-up shots should
show any foam in the mouth, the mouth whether open or closed
wounds if any, peculiar markings, and unusual discolorations.
Articles found in the hand or clothing's, use of color film is also
advice.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

d. By Electrocution

In case of death by electrocution,

the usual photographs are taken in
the area of the scene particularly
the cause of the current flow, or
from the originated like exposed
wires, cracked insulations,
presence of water near or
surrounding the body, the
accessibility of metal fixtures to
the deceased original position at
the time of shock, etc
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
e. Explosion

In case of an explosion, take

photographs that will help
determine whether the explosion
is directed against property,
against persons, or both

To be considered in selecting
objects that should be
photographed are the following:
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

a. Nature of the explosive

device- homemade, dynamite,
liquid chemical, bomb, or other
military hardware or stuff. Strewn
about the scene are parts and
pieces, fragments of its container,
fuse, tapes, wire, cloths, and
papers, metal parts that are
embedded on walls or other
objects at the scene
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

b. Undetonated parts of the explosive - they may

be found at distances from the point of explosion.

c. Traces of liquid explosives - stains on clothing,

curtains, or walls, particles of wax or paraffin, or
spillage at the approach of the scene.

d. Point of origin - the exact spot where the thing

is placed and probably open windows or doors
where it was thrown
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

e. Conditions of household items - these may be

objects that will show whether the explosions were
due to faulty gas lines, gas leaks from the gas
valve, ruptured pipes, or fittings, etc.

Photographs should also show the degree of

destruction and how wide was the area that was
affected.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

e. Robbery Case

a. General view of the exterior of the

building.
b. Points of break or entry. The Mark
of force should be shown clearly with
both medium views and close-ups.
c. Point of exit
d. Condition of the room. Be aware of
characteristics and patterns that will
indicate modus operandi.
e. Places where valuable materials
were removed
B. SPECIFIC
APPLICATIONS
–f. Articles left behind like burglary tools
(crowbars, metal saw, metal files,
screwdrivers, etc.)

–g. Trace evidence like fibers adhering to

window frames, soil, cigarette butts, burned
matches, powders, tool marks, shoes, or
footprints, and fingerprints which include the
places where they are found or developed.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

3. Sex Offenses

In the crime of rape, the photographs to be taken are the place of

incidence, signs of struggle or resistance on the part of the victim,
and objects of evidence. The photograph of the general view
should probably show the remoteness of the area to normal traffic
or its distance to the nearest dwelling place or that the place is not
a normal meeting place for social purposes. Medium shots should
show broken branches or pressed grasses if outdoors and
crumpled beddings or pillows strewn about if indoor.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Close-ups should show buttons removed from

clothes, torn clothing or garments, hairs or fibers,
presence of biological stains like blood or semen. On
the body of the victim are signs like contusions,
bruises, or wounds. Before, it was the usual practice
to also photograph lacerations found on the private
part of the victim, but this is not compulsory but
voluntary However, a written waiver is asked from the
victim and parents or guardians if the victim is a
minor.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

4. Arson or Fire

The difficulty of proving arson-the willful and malicious

burning of property-is so great that every technical aid
must be brought to the photographing of an arson case is
sometimes long extending for a period of several days. It
should begin as soon as possible usually pictures of the
fire in progress and continue throughout the search for
evidence after the fire.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
The photographs to be taken during the progress of the fire are
the following

a. Area of origin
b Rapidity, direction, and manner of the spread of the fire
c. The nature of the burning substance is indicated by the color of
the smoke, and the color, and size of the flame
d. The progressive stages of the burning as shown from various
angles and significant changes taking place Unusual arrangements
of doors and windows
Identity of spectators. The arsonist usually returns to the scene to
witness the burning
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Total burning

Photographic coverage of a suspected arson case should not be

limited to still photographs but must include motion pictures or
video

The photographs to be taken after the fire are:

a. For exterior view - all sides of the building to show the extent of
damage.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
b. For the interior view look for the following:

1. Presence of incendiary devices or materials

2. Significant arrangements that are suspicious or that show

planned burning.

3. Burned areas with the deepest intensity or the apparent origin of

the fire as seen by witnesses or firemen at the alleged point of
origin of the fire, take a medium shot to identify the location then a
close-up photograph of the following:
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

a. Electrical entrances, meters, fuses, switches, and any evidence of

tampering or repair.

b. Gas valves, piping, connections, and also signs of tampering or

repair.

c. Fire distinguisher its operating mechanism to determine whether

it's operational or defective.

4. During the search for clues, the photographer should be round so

he can immediately photograph it.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Bear in mind that photographic subjects are generally black or dark

objects so care must be exercised that exposure setting will not
result in exposure Usually an additional two to four times increase on
normal will be the proper adjustment

In some instances, the taking of photographs for public information,

fire prevention, and training of recruits are included in the photo
coverage Photographs of this sort are the fire trucks, ambulances,
medical or rescue efforts, injuries, and even deaths Human interest
photographs of fire victims in panic, in agony and distress or even in
comical situation are good for press releases.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

5. Traffic Vehicular Accidents

Death or serious injuries being investigated by the police involving

motor vehicles should be photographed with the primary purpose
of helping determine whether there was negligence in the
operation of the vehicle, inadequate control due to excessive
speed, or loss of control due to defective mechanisms or sudden
physical disability of the driver. Distances, positions, speeds, and
fragments left behind the scenes of the usual photographic
subjects. Since injured persons are removed from the vehicle to
the hospital or morgue: and vehicles involved are moved to the
sides to give way to traffic, the taking of photographs should be
done with speed and precision.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

The number and nature of the photographs to

be taken will vary widely the seriousness of
the accident and the difficulty involved in fixing
responsibility. Be sure to include reference
points and details of the cause and
responsibility of the accident. These lists had
been found to be applicable in any case.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
1. General view
a. Exact location or area of collision.
b. Position of vehicles as they are found
c. Surround the areas. Take one or several photographs
from a distance, if possible, from a high point a window
or the roof of a building to show an intersection of the
street as we possible road hazards like blind comers,
potholes, tree branches, or shrubs that mat obscure
vision, traffic control mechanism or lights (operational or
not), mag signs and notices, etc
d. To corroborate testimonies of eye-witnesses, take a
picture from their eye-level standing position
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Skid marks which are the result of the friction

between the tires and the pavement when the
brakes are fully applied, must be
photographed and also the tire marks
Photograph the skid marks from two
directions, first, end-on to show directions and
second, side-on to show the length. Ordinarily,
the camera should be placed as high as
possible to give the best view of the marks.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

6. Articles or Objects of Evidence

Important items of evidence are usually photographed

individually at the scene of a come as they are found upon
receipt at a crime laboratory. These photographs serve the
following purpose:

1. A permanent record of the original appearance of the

object
2. It can be used in place of the evidence thereby
lessening unnecessary handling that can cause alteration
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

If the evidence is not flat, it is thick or round.

Focus the lens at the midpoint of the object or
on the central object for a group of objects then
stop down the lens to gain sufficient depth of
field until both ends of the thick object or all
borders of the group of objects are in
acceptable focus or sharpness.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Sharing with you the

inspiring words of Dr. Paul
L. Kirk, a famous American
Crime Scene Reconstruction
Expert.
B. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
"Whenever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves
even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him.
Not only his fingerprints, his footprints, but his hair, the fibers
from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool marks he leaves:
the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or
collects-all of these and more bear mute witness against him.
This is evidence that does not mean it is not confused in the
excitement of the moment; it is not absent because human
witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot
be wrong; it cannot perjure itself, it cannot be wholly absent,
only its interpretation can err. Only human failure to find it,
study, and understand it can diminish its value.
D. SURVEILLANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

The purpose of surveillance photography

is to gather pertinent facts information,
evidence of illegal acts of persons, or if a
place is being used for illegal activities.

The main difference between this type of

photography and ordinary photography is
the requirement of secrecy.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

The fingerprint is one of the most convincing means of

establishing the fact that the suspect was present at the
crime scene. Without photography, such evidence would
lose some of its effectiveness. Since fingerprints are found
on fixed objects and cannot be brought to the laboratory or
later, in court, while others are barely visible to the naked
eye. These and other difficulties are readily overcome by
photography. Fingerprints are easily destroyed by careless
handling or exposure to weather so they must be recorded
and preserved photographically.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

Fingerprint is a record of the pattern of friction

ridges of the skin of the fingers. Fingerprints left
accidentally at the scene of a crime or those
impressed on a fingerprint card of an individual
are photographed to serve the following
purpose:
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Makes permanent records of fingerprints

2. Will bring out faint fingerprints which cannot be studied by
the naked eye but often are of great value for identification
purposes.
A. Photograph of a lifted fingerprint (questioned)
B. Photograph of a rolled fingerprint of a suspect
from his fingerprint card (standard)
3. It can magnify a fingerprint to almost any extent desired
4. Will make possible two of our magnified fingerprints for
the courts to see whether or not two or more fingerprints are
identical in detail.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

a. Types of Fingerprints
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

Comparison chart of a fingerprint

1. Plain or black fingerprints on a black or dark

background.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

Comparison chart of a fingerprint

2. White fingerprints on black or dark background.

E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

When a fingerprint impression is developed with

white or metallic powder on a black or dark
background, it is considered a reversed print
because the fingerprint ridges which are supposed
to be rendered black appear white instead. A
corrective measure is to take a photograph or make
a contact print on another film with the negative of
the fingerprint. This transparency is the one that is
printed or enlarged for examination and
comparison.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

3. Black fingerprint on a colored background.

This may need the use of a filter. To obtain

maximum contrast use a color filter the same color
as the background to lighten it
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

4. Black fingerprint on a multi-colored background.

This should be photographed with ultra-violet radiation

E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

5. Fingerprints on glass, plastic materials, or on polished

metal
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

The problem encountered in this type of

material is the reflections that they create
when lighted. The solution is using a
polarizing filter the application of tart
lighting technique or both.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY
6. Fingerprints on paper.

Fingerprints on papers are not developed with

powders but with iodine fuming the application or
Ninhydrine solution. However, the fingerprints will
fade after a few minutes so if this procedure is
undertaken, the camera and other equipment must
be made ready so that when the fingerprints
appear, they are photographed immediately.
E. FINGERPRINT PHOTOGRAPHY
7. Fingerprints on mirror.

The problem is that the image of the camera lens can

interfere with the fingerprint pattern. To resolve the
problem, soak a piece of chalk in water and carefully
encircle the fingerprint with it before photographing.
Another method is to scrape or remove the coating of the
mirror at its back to make it transparent. Discretion and
caution are however advised on this procedure because it
might be subject to objection from the opposing lawyer in
court.
F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY

In no other type of forensic examination is

photography used so extensively in explaining
points of proof to the court than in questioned
documents examination. In this photographic
work, the photographer should be under the
guidance and supervision of the document
examiner, so the photographic objective is
clearly defined.
F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
 F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
a. General use of Photography in Questioned Documents
Examination

1. Documents submitted for examination should be

photographed immediately for record purposes, a good
photographic copy of the document can be used for a case
study thereby freeing the possible selling or mutilation of
the original document. Moreover, when two or more
examiners have to examine the same document for a
collegial expert opinion, it can easily be replicated so every
examiner can examine the document at the same time
without bothering one another.
 F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
2. Magnification. Handwriting and typewriting are
both too small in their original sizes to study and
determine whether it is genuine or forgery, so they
have to be enlarged.

3. Side-by-side comparison. Many people cannot

see points of identity or difference until objects that are
compared are placed side-by-side. Photographs can
be cut apart so the portions to be compared are
placed side by side.
 F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
b. Areas of photographic concern:
1. Handwritings
a. Form of the handwriting
b. Line quality
c. Patching
d. Sequence of crossed lines
e. Writing overfold
f. Differentiation of inks/pencils
F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
2. Typewriting
a. Type design
b. Alignment
c. Slant
d. Evenness of impression
e. Defective characters
f. Substitution
g. Identify of the operator
 F. QUESTIONED DOCUMETNTS PHOTOGRAPHY
3. Papers
a. Erasures
1. Mechanical
2. Chemical
b. Paper Identification (watermarks)
c. Eliminations of paper background of filters
G. ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOGRAPHY

Ultraviolet photography is the taking of

photographs using ultraviolet rays or more
specifically radiations having a wavelength
of 30-40 nanometers of electromagnetic
spectrum.
G. ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOGRAPHY
G. ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOGRAPHY
G. ULTRAVIOLET PHOTOGRAPHY
H. INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

Infrared photography is the taking of

photographs with radiations between
700-1000 nanometers of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The difference
between ordinary photography of infrared
lies in the type of film used, the kind of filter
used, and in focusing method.
H. INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY
I. FORENSIC APPLICATIONS

1. Chemical erasures in questioned documents

examinations
2. Obliterated Writings
3. Charred or burnt documents
4. Presence of gunpowder on the skin or
clothing of a victim that is covered with dried
blood.
5. Blackout photography or the taking of a
photograph in total darkness.