INTRODUCTION OF

PHOTOGRAPHY
Literal definition
PHOTOGRAPHY
- derived from the two Greek words
“phos” which means “light” and
“graphia” which means “write”
- therefore photography best
translates as to “write with light”
Modern definition
PHOTOGRAPHY
- it is an art or science which deals with the
reproduction of images through the action of light,
upon sensitized materials, with the aid of a camera
and its accessories and the chemical processes
involved therein.
Technical/Legal definition
PHOTOGRAPHY
- may be defined as any means for the chemical,
thermal, electrical or electronic recording of the
images of scenes, or objects formed by some type of
radiant energy, including gamma rays, x-rays, ultra-
violet rays, visible light and infrared rays.
Police photography
an art or science which deals with the
study of the principles of photography, the
preparation of photographic evidence, and
its application to police work.
Forensic Photography
an art or science of
photographically documenting a crime
scene and evidence for laboratory
examination and analysis for purpose
of court trial.
Police photographer
A police photographer needs knowledge and skill of
how a camera records visual and audio components.
He must also know how to record images at invisible
ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths.
Forensic Photographers
Have specific technical knowledge not only in
photography but also in forensic science and laws
pertaining to the use of photographs as evidence. For
example,they understand how images can be used to
determine measurements of distance, dimension or
location. Simply taking photographs of an object at a
crime scene is not enough for a thorough analysis.
 Significance of Photography in Police
Work and Law Enforcement
People take photographs for all sorts of reasons. The
photos serve a social function: as reminders of
vacations and loved ones by freezing moments in their
own history for recall in years to come.

In law enforcement work, photography serves four

primary functions:
1. As a means of identification
2.As a method of discovering, recording, and
preserving evidence
3. As a way to present in the court room an impression
of the pertinent elements of a crime
4. As a training and public relations medium for police
programs
One of the most critical of these functions is presenting
photographs in court that can aid in the determination of
the truth respecting a matter of fact. Evidence that cannot
be brought inside the courtroom can be presented by
means of photographs. In cases of disputes in vehicular
accidents for example, vehicles are too bulky to be brought
inside the court. Instead, photographs of the vehicle can be
presented in order to demonstrate the extent of damages
sustained by the victim. It is crucial, however, that the
photographs to be admitted as evidence in court are
faithful representations of the original. Faithful
representation means the same likeness and accurateness
as seen by the naked eye.
Below are further uses of photography
in police work.
It serves as evidence.
2. It preserves all pieces of evidence.
3. It refreshes the mind of the investigator
4.It records the illegal activities and identities of
criminals.
5. It is useful in personal identification as well as in
the
identification of missing persons, wanted persons,
and
stolen or lost properties.
6. It records all things that an investigator may fail to
7. It assists the court in understanding the case.
8. It helps reconstruct the crime scene.
9. It helps the expert witness in illustrating their
findings.
10. It supplements, explains and replaces the
descriptive
testimony of witnesses.
11. It serves as lecture materials and illustrations
during
police personnel training.
12. It also serves to reproduce and copy documents
The PNP Forensic Photography

Division
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime
Laboratory has its own Forensic Photography Division
whose personnel perform the following
functions/capabilities:

1. Photograph suspects and crime victims for personal

identification;
2.Photograph evidence submitted to the laboratory
before examination;
3. Conduct crime scene photography;
4. Conduct crime scene sketching;
5. Conduct comparative examination and analysis of
questioned photographs against known
photographs;
6. Conduct lectures to different police/military
training institutions, government agencies and
public/private schools upon request;
7. Reproduce photographs and other printed
materials;
8. Sketch facial features of suspects based on actual
description by the witness or victims for
identification; and
9. Attend court duties.
 The PNP’s crime scene photographers follow the following
standard
operating procedures:
A crime scene photographer must be on duty at the
Forensic Photography Division on call whenever
photographic assistance is needed.
The crime scene photographer must be
knowledgeable of the crime committed/reported to
enable him to determine the equipment and
materials to bring along to the crime scene. These
equipment and materials may include digital and
film-based cameras with wide angle and normal lens,
tripod, flash unit, flood light, measuring tools, data
board, pencil and rolls of film (colored and
monochrome).
The crime scene photographer should record in the
photography division’s record book all the details of
the incident/crime responded before and after Scene
of the Crime Operation (SOCO) and Field Laboratory
Work (FLW) responses, including the type of camera
and film used. Right after the operation, he must
immediately process the exposed film and print the
negative for filling and presentation in court.

The responding crime scene photographer should

check and ensure the service ability of his equipment
and strictly observed the steps and procedures
applicable for every scene, including measurements
and identification.