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Module
In
FORC 101
Course Code

Forensic Photography

College of Criminal Justice Education

BS-Crim
 Module No. 8

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

2nd Semester 2022

Sheila Lou G. Pili

Assistant Professor IV
Aika S. Lunado
Instructor I

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about Forensic Photography.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 Chapter 8

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the chapter, you can:
1. Integrate matters of consideration in the crime scenes, apply preparation
in courts exhibits.
2. Explain the admissibility of evidence.
3. Make your own crime scene scenario in your home area.

Specific Topics
a) Crime Scene Photography
b) Time Allotment (4 ½ hours -per session)
Target date to submit

Chapter 8
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

MODULE OVERVIEW

This module will discuss all the matters involving the crime scene
photography and the preparations needed in the court exhibits and the admissibility
of photographs as evidence in the court.

INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography has been an integral part of processing a crime scene. It is not an

exaggeration to say that without photography, everything that is found in connection
with a crime scene may be placed into scratches or a piece of mess for their
evidentiary value in court would always be found questionable.

There are varieties of crime scene appearances. crime scene varies in nature,
location, and extent. It must be noted that to be there are important things to be
established at every crime scene. One significant factor that must always be
established is the presence of a corpus delicti (body of the crime) for it will establish
the probability of whether or not a crime was truly committed. Its existence plus all
other relevant and credible evidence to establish proof is of vital importance.

A record of the initial condition of the crime scene and everything found in
connection to it is indispensable in presenting the case in court, thus precaution
should be made in properly photographing the scene of the crime and its details. A
complete, sequential, and accurate recording of all aspects of the scene before any
objects of evidence is removed or otherwise disturbed must be made. Photographing
after each and every piece of evidence/object has been removed is also necessary.
Taking more shots is better than having less.

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

What are the Objectives of the Photography in the Crime Scene
Investigation?

1. To record the condition of the scene before alterations occur.

2. To record the location of the scene.
3. To record the position and condition of evidence.
4. To document the point of view of the persons involved and witnesses.
5. To document the spatial relationships of pertinent items.
6. To convey the look of the scene to investigators, attorneys, and jurors who will
not have the opportunity to view the scene firsthand.
7. To be used as a tool for crime scene reconstruction efforts.
8. To assist in portraying an accurate picture of the crime scene during the
courtroom testimony.
9. To refresh the memory of those involved in the investigation.

What is the Basic Importance of Crime Scene Photography?

• Refresh memory
• Preserve time and event
• Save money and effort

Matters to be taken into consideration:

1. Since one of the purposes of crime scene photography is to provide the

court and the investigator a view of the area based on the usual and normal
observation of an observer, the procedure in taking photographs at the
crime scene should be at eye level and straight forward;
2. A set of four (4) shots is the usual minimum takes to adequately show an
area such as room although taking more is better;
3. Taking a general view of the crime scene in all angles should be made to
show the location, to include the streets (if possible);
4. Medium view and close up photographs of the important places and
objects in the crime scene should always be taken into consideration such
as the object used in the commission of a crime, wounds sustained by the
victim and others;
5. It would be better if the photographer is equipped with two types of lenses
(a short-focus lens and a normal angle lens) to be used depending on their
necessity. Usually, a short focus or wide-angle lens is used for interior
photographing especially in short shots and the normal angle is used on
outdoor views and others;
6. Flash units and other artificial lights, filters in Some cases may
occasionally Serve their purposes;
7. Measuring devices such as rulers, yardsticks, or tape measures will serve
their purpose of showing relationships in distances and location of objects
in the crime as well as their original size before enlargement is made for
presentation in court;
8. All useful information should be to help in the order photographed
investigator establish the issue of what was the crime committed; where,
when, and how it was committed; and to a certain extent who committed
the crime;

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 9. The term crime scene should be understood to mean not only the
immediate place of the crime but it may and usually extended to the
adjacent areas or even at a far distance which may be important in
establishing the location and the surrounding circumstances of the crime;
10. The nature of the crime and the elements constituting such crime should
always be taken into account; and
11. Field noting should have been made. This is usually the investigator
whether he is always being the job of the on his work or assisted by the
SOCO team. Also, take note of the general statement of the photograph,
the camera and film used, exposure setting, and the lighting conditions.

PREPARING COURT EXHIBITS

A photograph to be admissible in evidence should be a faithful representation

of the subject or object under consideration. Make sure that the photograph will not
mislead whosoever will view it. It must be as much as possible free from any
distortion both in shapes and lines. Important objects/subject matter should always
be in sharp focus.

Photograph as evidence in court can be of two kinds: (1) Those which

represents objects of evidence and simply serve in place of an object or a verbal
description of it; (2) Those which are designed to prove a point bearing on an issue in
the case such as a comparison photograph of evidence fingerprints, bullets,
handwriting, and others.

ADMISSIBILITY OF PHOTOGRAPH AS EVIDENCE IN COURT

Just like any other evidence, the requisites of relevancy, competency, and
materiality are the basic requirements for the admissibility of photographic evidence.
Photographs to be relevant should be able to show its relation to the facts in the issue
especially its value at assisting both the court in understanding the case and the
witness/es in testifying in court. To be competent, it has to be a faithful reproduction
of the original and that its presentation is allowed by the court.

Audio, photographic, and video evidence of events, acts, or transactions shall

be admissible provided it shall be shown, presented, or displayed to the court and
shall be identified, explained, or authenticated by the person who made the recording
or by some other person competent to testify on the accuracy thereof. (Section 1, Rule
11, Rules on electronic evidence, Rules of Court, 2005).

REFERENCES
Agas, Juan L. (2009). Criminalistics. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon,
City
Bulan, Ma. Elixabeth C, Magadia, Ma. Elena P. (2017) Workbook on Police
Photography. Chapterhouse Publishing Incorporated Novaliches
Quezon City.
Marsh N. (2014). Forensic Photography: A Practitioner’s Guide. Wiley-
Blackwell ISBN: 9781119975823

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 Manluosc, Ariel C., Bolante, Raul B., Yang, Bryan T.,(2012) Forensic
Photography Hunts Publishing Center Sampaloc Manila
Villarba, Waynefred H. (2011). Laboratory Manual in Criminalistics 2 (Police
Photography). Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City
Villarba, Waynefred H.(2006). Forensic Photography for Criminology student
and Practitioners. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City
Wankey, Marlon M., Miguel, May V., (2020) Forensic Photography
MindShaper Publishing House Nueva Ecija Central Luzon
Philippines.

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