Crime scene photography

SHORT BLURB/BRIEF DESCRIPTION: CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY is a textbook wrought from years of experience. The --material -- carefully selected for ease of use and effectiveness in training, and field tested by the author in his roll as a Forensic Services Supervisor for the Baltimore County Police Department-- was collected over a 25-year career in crime scene investigation.The purpose of crime scene photography is to provide a documented record of the scene as it is observed. The photographs taken at a crime scene are often critical to an investigation. Training and practice are necessary for an investigator to gain the skills necessary to be proficient in the task.The forensic photographer, or more specifically the crime scene photographer, must know how to create an acceptable image that is capable of withstanding challenges in court. The photographic theory and principals have to be well grounded in the physics of optics, the how-to recommendations have to work, and the end result has to be admissible in court. CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY blends the practical functions of crime scene processing with theories of photography to guide the student in acquiring the skills, knowledge and ability to render reliable evidence The first part of the text deals with the basic theory and science of photography. The purpose of this early section is twofold: to acquaint the student/practitioner with the rudimentary knowledge required to take superior photographs and, perhaps more importantly, to be available as a reference for the user be able to present themselves as a credible source on the subject of photography presenting evidence in court. The second part of the text deals specifically with the challenges of photographing a crime scene. This section will cover special considerations such as how to document bodies and wounds, traffic accident photography, underwater photography and aerial photography. In the latter portions of the text, the author turns to digital theory, its advantages and disadvantages. UNIQUE FEATURE: §Expert author has 25 years of practical experience in crime scene photography and more than 10 years experience teaching and training on the subject§Seamlessly combines the theory and practice of the craft --covering the concepts and principles of photography as well as the "how to" of creating a final product BENEFIT TO THE READER:§Over 100 exercises, including directed photographs of exterior and interior crime scenes, midrange photos with fixed feature of the scene, and body sequences to prove the reader has grasped the practical applications of theories and concepts.§A companion CD will contain variations on correct and incorrect approaches to the exercises. The CD is divided into numerous folders, where similar images are collected, so as a student covers any topic, they can go to the CD to see many examples of the topics being discussed. - Covers the concepts and principles of photography as well as the "how to" of creating a final product - Contains over 100 exercises, including directed photographs of exterior and interior crime scenes, midrange photos with fixed feature of the scene, and body sequences to prove the reader has grasped the practical applications of theories and concepts. - Includes a companion CD containing variations on correct and incorrect approaches to the exercises