Applied Techniques Photography Research – Mark Jewell

This is my research and plan for what images I will produce for the Applied Techniques unit.

Different aspects of photography require different techniques, and I am going to compile

this report looking at what techniques and equipment are used for different types of
photography, and the importance of this.

The first area I have chosen to discuss is Forensic photography. Forensic photography
involves taking photos of evidence, crime scenes and accidents. Using digital imaging to
enhance images such as fingerprints & Being present at the coroner’s examination taking
pictures for detectives. You will need in depth knowledge of precisely how the image you
take can accurately or inaccurately reflect the scene and attention to detail is imperative.

Working within a crime scene, accuracy is imperative, and the scene should be preserved as
best as possible until it is photographed and documented accurately. Taking a wide-angle
image of the scene as a whole before then taking closer images of specific pieces of
evidence such as weapons, blood/blood splatter, substances, victims of criminal damage.

Size & Scale is very important when photographing within forensic photography, and the
introduction of markers, rulers and other objects to reflect scale, are commonly used.

One of the most common techniques used is Macro Photography for things such as
fingerprints and small details which could be crucial in solving the crime. The use of macro
lenses, and ring flashes are important and commonplace, to cast no shadows which may
detract from the accuracy of the image. Below are a few examples of crime scene
photographs.

The next area I have chosen to discuss is Astrophotography. This is an element of

photography I have a passion in yet have still to quite master it! Astro-photographers use
many tools to help them shoot the night sky, some with very expensive equipment, but
many great astrophotography shots can be taken using a normal DSLR camera. Having taken
inspiration from the presentation by Sylvan Buckley, and having researched other learning
resources, I plan to use my Nikon DSLR, tripod, wide angle f1.8 lens to shoot different
astrophotography shots. The use of a strong tripod, a 2 second timer or remote trigger to
minimise any shake can also help. I found some great tutorials on the following website;
https://scotlandsnightsky.com
Other tools can be used such as mobile device apps like ‘Photo Pills’ which can give help
with sunrise and sunset times and directions, augmented reality with pinpoint accuracy to
help set up compositions, help with techniques such as capturing star trails and time lapse
video of stars moving. I have attached a few images below which inspire me within
astrophotography and aim to try and produce some similar images to a high standard.

The final technique I will be displaying will be high speed flash photography, typically used in
studio setups and for advertising or marketing. As demonstrated during class, I will use high
speed flash to try and capture very quick moving objects and freeze them, such as liquid
pouring in a glass, fruit splashing into liquid and such. Dialling down your flash to the fastest
it can go (generally 1/128) means it will freeze any movement much quicker and allow you
to shoot in burst mode to capture more accurate images. Below I include a couple of sample
images, and a little graph detailing the general flash power to speed ratio for taking high
speed images.

In summary, My plan is to produce my final three images using the techniques of Macro
Photography, Astrophotography and High Speed Photography using off camera flash and
experimenting with high sync speed.