CRJ 333 - CSI & Forensic Photography

1. Understand and demonstrate the basic concepts of the crime scene photography.
   1. Explain why the careful photographic documentation of a crime scene is necessary and explain the procedures for properly document a crime scene.
   2. Understand the history of crime scene photography and the technological advancements that led to digital imaging.
   3. Explain and demonstrate the purpose of a photograph log and how there are completed.
   4. Describe three types of photographs that are taken at crime scenes. (Overall, mid-range, close up) and how they relate to different aspect of the crime scene.
   5. Demonstrate how to take overall, mid-range and close up photographs.
2. Develop fundamental knowledge of digital imaging technologies.
   1. Define the components of a digital image.
   2. Describe what image quality means as it relates to a digital image.
   3. Identify and explain the differences between the image file formats used in digital cameras.
   4. Portray the best practices for photographing evidence to maximize image quality.
3. Demonstrate control and use of a professional camera using focus, depth of field, and lenses.
   1. Understand the functions of a digital camera.
   2. Demonstrate how to manually operate a digital camera for best image quality.
   3. Demonstrate photographic techniques using a professional digital camera.
   4. Define and demonstrate understanding of f-stops, shutter speed, exposure and aperture and how each affect images.
   5. Explain the techniques to maximize depth of field.
4. Explain the various designations of lenses: focal length, “fast” or “slow,” and the widest aperture of the particular lens.
   1. Describe the functions and operations of various professional camera lenses and at what times they are most useful.
   2. Understand the effects on a photograph produced by telephoto lenses.
   3. Understand the effects on a photograph produced by wide-angle lenses.
   4. Explain the magnification ratios related to macro lenses.
   5. Create images using a “zoom” lens and macro lens.
5. Generate images using basic knowledge of exposure without a flash.
   1. Explain the exposure variables and their interrelationships.
   2. Define shutter speed and demonstrate how they are not only exposure controls but also motion controls.
   3. Demonstrate how a light meter works.
   4. Reveal what “tools” are available to help determine the proper exposure for a tricky scene.
   5. Explain the typically encountered “non-normal” scenes requiring exposure adjustments.
   6. Describe the various exposure modes available with different cameras.
   7. Show how to bracket in manual and automatic exposure modes.
   8. Explain the f/16 sunny day rule.
   9. Make clear the basic uses of filters as lens protection, reflection, and glare removers, and “sunglasses”. 
6. Generate images using an electronic flash.
   1. Explain the function and use of a flash
   2. Identify the basics of the automatic flash exposure mode.
   3. Identify the basics of the dedicated flash exposure mode.
   4. Describe the benefits that these modes have over the manual flash exposure mode.
   5. Explain how to use fill-in flash to obtain a proper exposure with various lighting conditions.
   6. Explain the meaning of the flash sync speed.
   7. Show the various ways that the flash output could be reduced or softened to provide for precise flash control at different distances.
   8. Show how to take photographs using the oblique flash technique.
   9. Understand when painting with light (PWL) would be the preferred photography technique.
   10. Demonstrate how to paint with light using a tripod. 
7. Control images using the concepts of ultraviolet, infrared, and fluorescence.
   1. Describe the various results of light striking different surfaces.
   2. Illustrate where on the electromagnetic spectrum the UV range is located.
   3. Justify the various uses of UV light to visualize otherwise “invisible” evidence.
   4. Explain where on the electromagnetic spectrum the visible light range is located.
   5. Explain some of the different types of evidence that can be made to fluoresce so they can more easily be located and collected.
   6. Clarify where on the electromagnetic spectrum the IR wavelengths are located.
   7. Describe several types of evidence that can be visualized in the IR range of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
8. Describe the types of photographic concerns related to documenting the wounds of suspects and victims.
   1. Explain the complete photographic documentation of a homicide victim.
   2. Demonstrate proper photograph of victim and suspect injuries.
   3. Utilize an ABO scale for accurate wound size representation at 90 degree angle.
9. Learn the essentials of special photography situations.
   1. Explain why prioritizing perishable evidence is important at scenes.
   2. Explain how to photograph the approach to the actual accident scene.
   3. Clarify the necessary photographs required to adequately photograph a vehicle.
   4. Demonstrate how to select the appropriate shutter speed to eliminate the potential blur from hand-holding the camera during surveillance situations or painting with light situations. If this is not acceptable, then using a tripod is recommended.
   5. Show how the appropriate shutter speed is selected to freeze the movement of the suspect under surveillance or an object in motion.
   6. Demonstrate how to select the appropriate ISO film speed for the dim lighting conditions that may be present at nighttime scenes.
   7. Explain the difference between reflection and refraction and their effects on underwater photography.
   8. Explain the difference between scatter and backscatter and their effects on underwater photography.
10. Demonstrate how a professional photographer can use a simple point-and-shoot camera more effectively than a novice photographer can use a sophisticated camera system.
    1. Show how the same subject can be composed differently in various images.
    2. Justify why good composition partly depends on the point of view of the photographer and what this point of view is.
11. Gain knowledge of the legal issues related to photographs and digital images.
    1. Identify the elements for a photograph to be considered “a fair and accurate representation of the scene.”
    2. Explain what is meant by requiring the photograph to be “authentic”.
    3. Describe why all photographs taken at a crime/accident scene may not be admissible in court: to be admissible they have to be “relevant” and “material”.
    4. Explain the requirement that a photograph has to be more probative than prejudicial.