GENERAL METHODS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Overlapping Method – a photographic method of

taking series of photographs in a circular or clockwise
direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the
entire crime scene. If a single photograph cannot
show the entire crime scene, apply this method.

2. Progressive Method – a photographic method of

taking a crime scene photographs starting from fixed
point, photographing each evidence as the
photographer moves toward it, and progressively gets
closer. (from general to specific)
Photographic Procedures

1. Camera should be mounted on a sturdy

tripod whenever feasible to prevent
camera movement.
CAMERA MOTION
➢ Vibration
➢ Actual camera movement
➢ Usually nothing slower than 1/60th of a
second unless you are using a tripod.
2. The camera should be leveled whenever
commensurate with the particular
photograph to be taken.

General View
Crime scene views include general classes

A. Long / General views

➢ Showing general location and

conditions

➢ Overall view of the crime scene to

include reference point
Medium views

✓ Pinpointing a specific object of evidence or

significant segment of the crime scene.

✓ to show the four angles of the crime scene

including the possible route path of the
suspect.

✓ Approximately 10-20 ft. of distance from the

subject
 Midrange
 Follow a stepwise progression of
views; use various lens or change the
focal length of the lens to achieve a
“focused” view of the individual items
of evidence within the original view of
the crime scene
Close-up views

✓ recording position and details.

✓ to identify the subject

✓ Normally taken at approximately 5 ft.

or less from the subject
Close-up
- Use documentation placards
- Take photos with and without scales
- Detach flash from camera
- Use proper side lighting effects
- Fill in with flash when harsh shadows
are present
- Used to document individualizing
details on an item of evidence
EXTREME - to show the
CLOSE-UP extent of
SHOT damage or injury
caused by the
suspect.
 Photographic Procedure

❑ Bodies of victims should be

photographed exactly as found, from
all angles, and especially from
overhead when this can be done, for
identification purposes.
a)Close-up photographs, one to
one, if possible, should be taken
all wounds, bruises, discoloration,
and abrasions – generally with
color.
9. Measuring device such as rulers,
yardsticks, and tape measures can be
used to show the relative size of and
distance between objects or the degree of
magnification of an enlargement. They
should not obscure any important part of
the evidence. In photographing an
evidence for example, a ruler with 12 inch
size should be placed on the bottom or
just below the object will show the relative
size of objects in a photographic exhibit.
 Photographic Procedure

Additionally.
a)Direction camera pointed
b)General statement of what
photographed
c)Exposure and ASA / ISO rating
d)Kind of Film (including brand and
exposures per roll)
e)The lighting whether available, flood
lamps, flash bulbs, etc.
 Indoor
• Views of the exterior of the building/vehicle, with
relation to other buildings/ vehicles, roads, streets, etc.
• Point of entry - outside and inside.
• Point of exit - outside and inside.
• Condition of the crime scene.
• Area fm which valuable articles were found/removed.
• Articles left at the scene.
• Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers, and cigarette
butts.
• Toolmarks and impressions of shoes or tire tracks.
• Fingerprints and footprints, as well as articles on
which these prints may be found.
 Photographic Procedure
1

1 1
Photographic Procedure

2 2

2
Photographic Procedure

close-up

2
2

2 2 2 2

2
 Four basic shots in crime scene
documentation.
➢Orientation (establishes location)
➢Relationship (establishes location and
evidence)
➢Identification (shows evidence clearly)
➢Examination Quality (establishes size
of evidence)
 REQUIREMENTS OF
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

1. CLARITY

- presenting the bare facts

N.B.: it must not be blurred

2. CONSISTENCY
-it must show its purpose, photograph
must for a set together related to the
scene as a whole.
3. SCALE
- determine the actual
measurement/size of the object
being photographed.
GUIDELINES IN TAKING PHOTOGRAPH
OF THE CRIME SCENE

 INDOOR
FIRST SHOT
-Forensic photographer must establish
his first shot of general view by photographing
the entire area showing a reference point.
 SECOND SHOT

- the exact place where the crime was

committed.

- it must be shown on the photograph

whether is residential, factory, school, building,
alley, store, bank
 THIRD SHOT

- photograph the main door and

possible entrance and exit of the perpetrator/s.

e.g. in robbery cases, whether the

perpetrator entered the windows
 FOURTH SHOT

- before proceeding to the main

scene of the crime, hallways and other
adjacent rooms must be photographed.
 FIFTH SHOT

- the exact place must be

photographed.

e.g. it may be a room, toilet, office,

classroom
◼ Itis advisable to use the wide-
angle lens in a limited space to
show the angles
 SIXTH SHOT

- Close-up shots are

applicable to the object/s and/or
subject/s attacked
 SEVENTH SHOT
- extreme close-up

- to show the extent of damage or

injury caused by the suspect/s

- to show other vital evidence

◼OUTDOOR

1. Geographical conditions of the crime

scene. Each shot must be shown if it is
residential, factory, busy street.

2. Other related houses, passages in the

vicinity
 3. Evidence left behind in the crime scene
and other traces.

4. Blood stains

5. Condition of the victim

 Admissibility in Court

Admissibility of evidence usually depends

upon the evidence being relevant, material
and competent. For photographs to be
admissible in court as evidence other than
being relevant, material and competent, it
must also be accurate, free of distortion,
and non-inflamatory.
 Admissibility in Court

Material: photograph should relate to the

case such that the photograph depicts that
a crime was actually committed and what
crime was committed.

Relevant: it explains or assist the testimony.

Photographs may serve as a refresher to
the witnesses as to the elements of the
crime.
 Admissibility in Court

Competent: when photographs accurately

depicts what happened at crime scene,
showing the actions of the suspect, the tools
used, and the injuries sustained by the victim.
Free of Distortion and Accurate: when the
investigator is able to testify as to the
condition upon which such photographs were
taken; that it actually represents what the
investigator saw or discovered at the crime
scene.
 Admissibility in Court
Non-Inflamatory: referred to here as that which
is objective such that pictures may emotionally
influence the judge and the witnesses as to the
facts of the case. A photograph should have no
other purpose than to present the facts of the
case.

• Negatives are enough to refute any allegations

hence, negatives must always be properly filed
and bring it always in court.
Photography in Police Work

Degree of Enlargement or a Size of a

Photographic Exhibits

1. A large display that will show detailed

attributes of a subject being testified.
(11”x14”, 16”x24”)
2. Handheld print of persons, place or
incidents. (4”x5”, 5”x7”)
Photography in Police Work

Example of Normal Viewing Distance

Lens Focal Length Print Size (inches)

35 mm 11x15
50mm 8x11
85mm 4 ½ x6
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of the Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CRIME LABORATORY
Camp Crame, Quezon City
________________
Date
SOCO FORM #4
RE SOCO REPORT NR: _________________
SCENE OF THE CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET
SPECIMEN ENTRIES - TAKEN PHOTOGRAPHS
FRAME NR APERTURE SHUTTER SUBJECT LIGHTING REMARKS
SPEED

Use Extra Sheet Form If Necessary

CAMERA USED : FILM TYPE : ASA :
LENS USED : FLASH UNIT :
DEVELOPING TIME : DEVELOPED BY :
FIX TIME : LOCATION :
PRINT PAPER : DATE & TIME :
COMMENTS : TIME BEGIN :
PHOTOGRAPHER : TIME END :
INCIDENT : WEATHER CONDITION :
OFFICER ON CASE : LIGHTING CONDITION :
REQUESTING PARTY : DISPOSITION :
PLACE OF INCIDENT :

Prepared by: Certified Correct by: Noted by:

___________________ __________________ _____________
Photographer SOCO Team Leader C, SOCO
 When photographing the scene of a
homicide, the Forensic Photographer relates what
he has seen and defend it before the court during
trial. Through photographs he has to show the
manner by which the homicide occurred, views of
the room with all the possible entrance and exit.

He must show whether there is any evidence

of struggle and try to show what happen inside
prior to the crime. Obvious evidence such as
cigarette butts, blood stains or broken glass should
not be overlooked.
 The circumstances of death
can be illustrated by various views
of the body. Take close-up shots of
the wounds, bruises, weapon used
and the place where it was taken.
 If the cadaver is subject
for autopsy, photograph its
front and rear views in the
nude so as to clearly reveal
the conditions in detail.