NAME

TOPIC
SUBJECT
SCHEDULE
FACILITATOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL
General Luna, Baguio City
: Mr. Nelber K. Balang / MS. Judith Mayat-an/ Janet Tal-udan
: PHOTOGRAPHY
: SCIENCE IN CRIMINALISTICS
: 10:30-2:30 PM SATURDAY
: MRS DIPNI PAGNAS , M.S. CRIM

INTRODUCTION:
The criminalist and investigator could not rely on their memories in which
photograph would serve as a sort of artificial memory for them. Remembering all the
things they had examined or investigated would be impossible after several years
before the case is presented in court. They need and preserved the things they had
examined and investigated for future references and court presentation.
Photography can be used for identification, record, preservation and substitution
of evidence of a crime. It can discover things which could not be seen by the naked eye
as photography extends mans visual limitation take for instance an obliterated writings,
written words under super imposed ink which on the same in color to the eye could be
separated and shown singly by infrared photography. Object hidden in boxes and other
container may be detected and identified by X-ray photography. The writing chemically
erased can be restored by ultra-violet photography.
Photography is one of the fastest mean of preserving the physical appearance of
an object or evidence such injuries sustain by victim or suspect which may change as
time goes by. It also help the Judges and lawyers to easily appreciate how the crime
look like without going to the crime scene which may have different view as compared
to the time the incident happened. It help illustrate how an object look like without
having going to explain by eye witnesses on how it look like as to the color, shape,
extend of damage, size etc.
USES OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Identification

Preservation

Description

Substitution
TOPICS TO DISCUSS

1.

Definition of Terms

Photography Is derived from the Greek words, photos- which means light and
graphy which means to draw.
It is defined as a science or an art of process of producing images of
objects by the action of light on sensitized surface with the aid of an image-forming
device known as camera and its accessories and the chemical process involved therein.
Forensic is derived from the word forum- which means place for legal debate.
Forensic Photography deals with the study of notion of photography, its
application to law enforcement work and the preparation of photographs for court
presentation.
Photograph is the mechanical result of photography. To produce a photograph,
light is needed aside from sensitized materials (film and paper).
Camera a light tight box; with a lens to form an image; with a shutter and
diaphragm to control the entry of the image; a means of holding a film to record the
image/ and a viewer or viewfinder to show the photographer what the image is.
Lens a medium or system which converges or diverges light passing thru it to
form images.
Film a cellulose tape embedded with sensitized solution capable of recording
images thru light.
Infra-Red Photography is the art or process of photographing or recording
unseen objects by the naked eye by means of infra-red light.
Ultra-Violet Photography is the art or process of photographing unseen objects
by the naked eye with the use of ultra-violet rays and filters. The main purpose of
photographing ultra-violet photography is to provide information about an object or
materials, which cannot be obtained by ordinary photo methods.
Macro Photography is photographing of object at greater that 1:1 ratio up to
nine (9) times magnification. It is the making of enlarge copies of prints such as
photographs of tampered serial number of firearms, engine number and chassis number
of motor vehicle and the like.
Micro Photography is the art or process of photographing minutes objects and
magnified by means of the microscope and enlarge from 10 times up.
Mug-shot is the process of taking photographs of the suspect/s in full length,
half body, right and left side views, and two quarter views. To unidentified cadavers,
include marks on the victims body especially tattoo/scar for identification.

Angle of view the amount of area visible when looking through a lens. Angle of
view is determined by the focal length of the lens. The angle of view for a standard 50
mm lens is approximately 47 degrees; for a 28 mm wide angle lens, it is 75 degrees; for
a 135 mm telephoto lens, it is 18 degrees.
Depth of Field the distance between the nearest and the farthest objects in
apparent sharp focus when the lens is focused at a given point.
Aperture/ f-stop a lens opening. The hole or opening in a camera lens through
which light passes to expose the film. The size of aperture is either fixed or adjustable.
Perturb size is marked in f-stops.
ASA stands for American Standard Association. An early organization or group
that determines the numerical ratings for film speed. A number which represents a films
sensitivity to light. At present, the organization which rates film speed is the ISO
(International Standard Organization).
DIN a numerical rating used to describe the emulsion speed or light sensitivity
of German made films. Deutche Industries Norm (DIN).
Single-Lens-Reflex (SLR) Camera a type of camera that allows the
photographer to see through the cameras lens when viewing through the viewfinder.
Normal Focal Length A lens which has a focal length approximately equal to
but not more than twice the length of the diagonal of the negative material. Angle of
view exceeds 75 degrees but not less than 45 degrees.
Wide Angle Lens A lens which has a focal length less than the diagonal of its
material. Angle of view exceeds 75 degrees.
Long or Telephoto Lens A lens which has a focal length equal to more than
twice the diagonal of the negative material. Angle of view less than 45 degrees.
Zoom Lens Lenses which allow the user to continuously vary the focal length
without changing the focus.
2.

Elements of Photography

a Object - The subject of the picture and can be anything under the sun.
b Light - May be from many different sources, principally daylight, but there are many
sources of artificial light which can be used.
c Camera - See definition
d Sensitized Materials - Its either be film and paper. In the film type camera it is always
film, now on digital, its electronic memory.
e Chemical Process - The chemical involved to process a film now on digital, can be
printed directly on photo paper or ordinary paper.

3.

Importance of Crime Scene Photography

a

Permanent Record

A permanent record of the crime scene is considered indispensable to a

successful presentation of the case in court. A crime scene that is altered through
careless and haste can never be restored to its exact original condition.
b Significance of certain aspects of the crime scene
In the initial stages of an investigation, the significance of certain aspects of
the crime scene may not be evident, although later they may vitally affect the issues in
the case.
c

Reconstruction of the crime scene

A study of photograph can also assist the trained investigator in
reconstructing the crime scene and developing conclusions about how the crime
occurred. In addition, the photographs will make the job of the prosecutor much easier
when a case is presented in a court room. When necessary, photographs can be
coordinated with crime scene sketches or drawings that made to scale.
4.

Basic Requirement of a Photograph Admitted as Evidence in Court

No matter how extensive the photographic efforts are at the crime scene,
photographs must stand the test of legal admissibility. The general standards used to
review the credibility of the photographers are: (See Figure 1)
a
b
c
d

Accurate representations of the crime scene or the object it purports to reproduce.

Free of distortion
Material and relevant to the point in issue.
Unbiased.
Written report on the proper chain of custody of photographic evidence. The
chain of custody of the photographs must be maintained. The film should be removed
from the camera and taken directly to processing unless some secure facility is
available for overnight storage. If this does not occur, the judge or jury may disregard
this most important evidence under the theory that the film may have been tampered
with (Take statement of person who processed the film if different person process it
indicating that it was processed in normal procedure).
e A written record that indicates a detail information about the photographs such as the
case number, locations address, date, time, incident, name of victim, name of
investigator, name of photographer, camera used, type of film used, objects
photographed, weather condition and etc.
5.

Uses of Photography in Crime Investigation

a Identification of the subject

We produce pictorial record of everything regarding the crime to include the
nearby surroundings. It is always better to take too many photographs than too few then
select the best. It is useful in personal identification as well as in the identification of
missing person, identification of stolen and lost properties.
A mug shot photography is taken on suspect for identification that shows the
following angle:
1 Frontal whole body, from head to foot with height scale behind. (could be with case
number and name included)
2 Frontal half body, head to elbow.
3 Half body right side, head to elbow.
4 Half body left side, head to elbow.
5 Left Quarter view (half body-head to elbow)
6 Right Quarter view (half body-head to elbow)
Note: The PNP Crime Laboratory is doing Composite Criminal Illustration by free
hand and by the computerized method. This can be made possible when a witness to a
crime have personally seen the suspects face. An accurate and detail description of the
suspect by a witness can help bring the actual facial description of the suspect through
the composite criminal illustration which would help in identifying the suspect.
Free Hand

Computer Generated

b Preservation of evidence
Preserve from necessary handling which might cause the evidence to
deteriorate or otherwise become altered.
c

Description of the Crime Scene

It proves statements. In some instances, investigators are compelled to

reconstruct or describe in court the details of the crime scene they have investigated
several months ago but with the bulk of cases they have handled perhaps they may not
exactly recall. With the aid of photographs, investigators will not find hard time to

describe things in details. It provides a second look and often reveals detail that is not
apparent during the physical examination. It records all things that an investigator may
fail to notice.
d Substitution to original documents/evidence
A photograph can be made as a representative of any evidence or
documents. It helps the expert witness in illustrating their findings. It is also used to
reproduce and copy documents.
e Record
In court proceedings, judges, fiscals, and defense lawyers have generally
never visited the scene of the crime. Photographs greatly facilitate them in interpreting
the scene. It assists the court in understanding the case. It records all things that an
investigator may fail to notice.
6.

Procedure in Photographing the Crime Scene

The goal is to record useful information in a series of photographs which will

enable the viewer to understand where and how the crime was committed. The term
crime scene not only refers to the immediate area where the crime took place, but also
to adjacent areas where important acts took place immediately before or after the crime
was committed. Taking photograph of a crime scene starts from general to specific,
however, in some circumstances photograph of some important evidence or item is
taken immediately when such object need to be move or may change in appearance or
disappear as time pass.
To enable the viewer of the photographs gain a clear concept of its position with
reference to other objects at the scene, the following procedure be observed:
a General View or Long-range
General view or long range photographs of the overall scene fundamentally
are taken to portray the areas as if a person viewing the scene is seeing it from the
standing position. To obtain this result, the photographer takes the photograph with the
camera at eye level.
b Medium View or Mid-range
Medium view or mid-range photographs are taken in a manner which portrays
the scene from approximately ten to twenty feet of distance from the subject matter. In
order that the viewer be permitted to associate the crime scene with separate areas of
the scene photographed, these areas should contain sufficient details to permit the
viewer this association.
c

Close-up View/ Range

Close-up range photographs are normally taken approximately five feet or

less from the subject matter. The attention of close-up photography is directed to object
which could be effectively seen in the long-range and mid-range photographs.
Take necessary extreme close-up shot on the subject to show the extent of
damage, objects that is small in size such as fingerprints, shoe print, tool marks, fibers,
hair, injury, blood splatter, documents, tools, etc. Always take a second photograph with
a scale to show the actual size of the object and the camera must always be parallel to
the film plane (use tripod and a measuring scale/device to be more accurate ).
7.

Sequential Photographs of the Crime Scene

Each crime scene has individual features that should be photographed. Keep in
mind the nature of the offense and try to show those features that establish the
elements of the offense. Photographs should be taken of:
a Views of the exterior of the building/ vehicle in relation to other buildings/ vehicles,
roads/ streets, etc.
b Point of entry and exit outside and inside.
The point of entry an exit should be shown in such a manner that the marks of
force will be shown clearly. A scale should also be visible but never place a suspect tool
into the tool mark because it may alter the evidence.
c

Interiors of the crime scene/ room.

When photographing the interior of a crime scene or a room, use a 35mm
camera lens instead of wide angle lens. A wide angle lens creates distortion, especially
when close-up photographs are taken. Take photograph from all corners to cover-up all
sides of the room (overlapping), if possible a top view photograph of the floor.

d Condition (s) of the crime scene.

It shows how thing or objects found at the scene and the general result of the
incident.
e Articles left at the scene.
f

Area from which valuable articles were removed.

g Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers and cigarette butts.

h Tool marks and impressions of shoes or tire tracks.
i

Fingerprints as well as articles on which these prints may be found.

Helpful Hints in taking photograph of a crime scene

Signs of activity prior to the occurrence, such as the telephone receiver off the
hook or wires cut, playing cards orderly stacked or scattered, TV and lights turned on,
food in cooking stages, coffee cups, drinking glasses or liquor bottles, time watch and
clock stopped should be recorded on film. In general, articles apparently in use
immediately prior to the commission of the crime or which appear to have been
disturbed from their customary position should be photographed.
In suspected rape cases, the purpose of the photography is to record
information or signs of any struggle at the scene where the attack occurred, or
indications of the victims effort to resist attack; such as bruises, black and blue marks,
torn clothing, etc. Bite marks should be photographed using oblique lighting, with and
without a measuring device at the crime scene and also the morgue.
In a rape-homicide investigation, infrared photography of the body may detect
latent bite marks since hemorrhaging can occur in tissue under the skin. The location of
foreign hairs and fibers, biological fluids and stains should be obtained and if the victim
is a minor,. Secure a written permission from the parent or guardian. It is recommended
that the victims physician be present when such photographs are made. Blood spatter
on walls should be photographed with the lens parallel to the stain so that directionally,
the direction of the blood flowed can be determined.
In sexual exploitation of childrens case, every room in a suspects residence
should be photographed even if no physical evidence (such as photographs or video
tapes) are found during a crime scene search. Chances are the suspect has concealed
these materials at another location. Rarely will these photographs be discarded since
they represent a trophy or remembrance of the conquest. When these photographs are
recovered, they may be compared with the crime scene photos to prove they were
taken in the suspects dwelling. Occasionally, a suspect will place his own camera on a
tripod and using a cable release or self-timer; will photograph himself with his victim.
Usually, he will compose the photographs so his face is not seen. However, if the
photograph is sharp enough, the suspect may still be identified through physical
characteristics such as scars, marks, wrinkles, etc.
In death due to asphyxia as a result of a hanging, doubt sometimes exist as
to whether the occurrence is murder, suicide, or an accident. Photograph the original
position of the body to help in determining the manner of death. Overall view of the body
and rope should be taken at torso and foot level. Show the height of the body above
ground; a murderer usually tries to raise the body completely, while the suicide victim
frequently never gets his feet off the ground and is sometimes found in a sitting position
or half-prone position. Photographs should be made to show the relative position of any
object, such as a chair or a stool, which appears to have been kicked from under the
feet of the deceased.

Subject for close-up shots are the knots, its size, type and location on the
neck; depth and location of the grooves in the neck; black-and-white marks around the
edge of the groove (here, color film is especially helpful); signs of violence about the
neck, suggesting prior strangulation; protrusions of the tongue, binding of the hands and
feet, etc.
In drowning case, the body is usually the sole object of interest. But did the
deceased actually die of drowning or was he thrown into the water after death from
some other cause. The photographic operation should be directed towards those facts
which will help to resolve this question. Color film is exceptionally useful here since
many of the significant clues may be matters of discoloration. Photograph the whole
body, body from the position of standing observer and from the ground level. The latter
view will show any distinction of the body. Close-up should include any foam about the
mouth; wounds, peculiar markings, bruises, or unusual discoloration; articles such as
seaweed, grasped in the hand; and any rope or wire bindings. Many of these views can
be made at the morgue before autopsy.
8.

Parts and Function of a Camera

There are hundreds of different types of camera, though many are similar, none
of them work exactly the same way even the same brand. Learning the basic function of
a camera is more complete with the Single-Lens-Reflect (SLR) Camera which
represents the different function or operation of a camera.
a Basic Parts of the Camera
1 Viewfinder
The viewfinder enables a photographer to see the subject. There are
basically two types of camera viewfinders. The first type will allow you to look through
the lens of the camera while the other will enable you to view at a plane parallel to the
camera lens.
2 Focusing Mechanism
SLR and DSLR cameras have another mechanism called the focusing
mechanism, which is normally you can focus well using the viewfinder itself but SLR has
focusing meters.
3 Shutter
The camera shutter is a device that enables light to enter through the lens
for small period of time to enhance the exposure of photographic film. There are
different types of shutters used in modern day cameras like leaf shutter, diaphragm
shutters, focal plane shutter, projector shutter and central shutters.
4 Lens

This is considered to be the most important part of the camera. It is a far

more important than the glossy dials and other advanced features that are part and
parcel of modern day digital cameras. A basic camera lens comprises of multiple
elements that will help you to add a creative element to your photography. The multiple
elements in a camera lens help in directing light to the camera sensors so that it can get
high clarity of the object being shot. The main aim of the lens and its multiple elements
is to reduce any kind of aberrations.
5 Body
The body of the camera helps in limiting the amount of light that exposes
the sensitive film that is why it is being called light tight box.
b Types of Sensitize Materials
1 Films are mostly in SLR and point and shoot cameras. There are different types of films
available in color or black and white. Color films include slow films (25-64 ISO), medium
films (100-200 ISO), fast films (400-1000 ISO) and ultrafast films (1600-3200 ISO).
2 Sensitize Paper It can be a black and white or colored. It can have different texture
such glossy, semi glossy and others.
9.

Steps to follow to obtain good photographs

a. When inserting a roll of film in the camera, you must always set your ASA dial
according to the film speed as stated on the film cartridge. This adjusts your built-in light
meter to the film's light sensitivity.
Commercially available Films ASA 50, 100, 200, 400
b. For crime or accident scenes outdoor during day time, the shutter speed on
the camera should be set at 1/125 sec. This is usually a good starting point for the
shutter speed in outdoor bright daylight. Your shutter speed could change from a slower
speed to a faster one depending on the light intensity and ASA of the film used at the
time the photograph is taken.
Shutter Speed

B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000

Number 1 stands for a whole second and the others are fraction of a second.
The shutter speed of 125 is capable of stopping the movement of the subject.
Note: Use a shutter speed faster than 1/30 of a second for all hand held
photographs. The camera must be supported with tripod, etc. for shutter speeds of 1/30
of a second or slower. A body move and camera shake when pressing the shutter
release button may register in the photographs.
c

The lens opening or f-stop. The size of the lens opening in your camera is the other
factor that determines the amount of light that reaches the film. The indicator on the

camera for the degree of light passing through the camera lens is called the f number.
The smaller the f number the bigger the opening and vice versa. Much like fast films
and slow films, there are fast and slow lenses. A fast lens, for instance, is one that
transmits more light. The user should be cautious, however, since fast lenses do not
produce the sharpest images. The aperture affects the depth of field on the image, the
higher the number, the smaller the lens opening, the smaller the lens opening, the
greater depth of field.
Standard F-stop of cameras f/1.4, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16,
f/22

f/1.4

f/5.6

f/22

d Adjust your light meter needle as seen in the viewfinder by turning the aperture ring
located on the barrel of the lens until the needle is properly lined up. When the needle is
properly lined up, this tells the photographer that the light entering the camera will
produce a properly exposed photograph (Some camera uses light that brink as red,
orange and green).
Yellow
+ 3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3
e

Less

Green

Red

Average

Much

Your final step in available light photography is to compose your shot and focus. You
must control your breath before pressing the shutter release button.
Object

Split Method
Out of focus

Sharp focus

Microprism

Ground Screen

10.
Lighting Techniques
a Electronic flash (Note: Disregard the light meter in the camera when using electronic
flash)
b Flash off camera
c Bounce flash
d Bounce off a white or light colored surface
e Manual flash: Add the distance up and down for the flash-to-subject distance then figure
in the absorbance loss (one to three f/stops)

Automatic flash with sensor facing the subject; use a range for two times or more times
the actual flash-to-subject distance.
g Multiple flash
h Available light
i Painting with light
Your flash is so important that deserves special consideration. It serves as your
artificial light. It must be with you at all times. With experience, you may be able to learn
how to use the flash to duplicate almost any type of natural lighting.
Even without experience, the flash can help improve crime scene photography a
great deal. You normally need front lighting and the flash mounted on the camera will
provide it automatically. The problem is the shadow produced by the flash and possible
reflected light from shinny subject that may affect the photograph.
Steps to Follow to Obtain Properly Exposed Film in Artificial Light (i.e.
Flash) Photography:
a Your flash unit, now being your main light source, must be adjusted to the proper ASA
setting according to the speed of the film being used-for the same reasons you adjusted
the camera light meter to the film speed being used (Follow the manual).
b Flash adjustment will be in accordance to the distance and lens opening you wanted to
use for your shots. Some digital camera flash has automatic setting base on the setting
made on the camera.
c When choosing a setting you must keep in mind both the distance requirement and the
desired DEPTH OF FIELD (DOF).
d When using the MANUAL MODE, always ensure your Aperture setting corresponds with
the distance indicated on your flash scale. Also, check the Thyristor Sensor to ensure
that you have set it "M" position.
NOTE: When using a flash as the light source, adjustment must be done to both
the camera and the flash unit in order to obtain a properly exposed photograph.
SUMMARY:
Forensic Photography is a very broad topic but this module only includes those
topics that are useful to field investigator and is helpful in the investigation of crimes. In
this topic, we learn the different definition of terms use in this lesson, the uses and
importance of photography in crime investigation. The different procedures and
techniques on how to take photograph of a crime scene and physical evidence, the
effect of light on the photograph as well as the use of artificial light to help obtain good
photograph in various condition. The requirement for the admissibility of the
photographic evidence in court, the forms or documents required to ensure authenticity

of the photographs taken from a crime scene. The students will be able to operate the
SLR camera and know the different processes involve producing a good photograph.

Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
____________________________
_____________________
Date
SOCO/CASE REPORT NR: ______________

SCENE OF CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET

SPECIMEN ENTRIES-PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN
FRAME
NR

APERTUR
E

SHUTTE
R
SPEED

SUBJECT

LIGHTING

REMARK
S

USE EXTRA SHEET FORM IF NECESSARY

CAMERA USED:
LENS USED:
DEVELOPING TIME:
FIX TIME:
PRINT PAPER:
COMMENTS
PHOTOGRAPHER:
INCIDENT:
OFFICER ON CASE:
REQUESTING PARTY:
PLACE OF INIDENT:

Prepared by:
_____________________
Photographer

FILM TYPE:
FLASH UNIT:
DEVELOPED BY:
LACATION:
DATE & TIME:
TIME BESTARTED:
TIME ENDED:
WHEATHER CONDITION:
LIGHTNING CONDITION:
DISPOSITION:

Certified Correct by:

_______________
SOCO Team Leader

Noted by:
_____________
Chief of Office