Forensic Macro Photography

Course Description

Forensic Macrophotography course begins with a review of history and elements of fingerprint classification. Further, there will be an introduction to the Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, including major control functions and camera modes. The class progresses to low light photography and painting with light techniques.

Building on these techniques, there is an introduction to lifting latent and patent fingerprint impressions via macrophotography at a crime scene. This course will cover the standard methods of photographing and documenting a decedent at autopsy, as well as standard postmortem fingerprinting.

These fingerprints are invaluable to identify an unknown person or confirm a presumptive identification. The class culminates with methodology for the collection of usable fingerprints from highly decomposed victims, available only at TSC. The student will engage in ample practical exercises to reinforce the knowledge gained during the course, enabling the graduate to confidently engage in this type of collection.

Course Outline

Day 1

• Welcome and Orientation
• Case Study Review
• Introduction to Fingerprint Collection

Day 2

• Basic Photography
  • Introduce
    • Aperture
    • Shutter Speed
    • ISO
  • Understand and manipulate the light meter/auto focus in Automatic Mode
  • Camera Modes
    • Application
    • Effect on Camera Controls
• Advanced Photography
  • Low Light Photography
  • Painting with Light

Day 3

• Fingerprint Classification Review
  • Brief History
  • Patterns
  • Major/minor Minutiae
• Macro Photography
  • Lecture
  • Lifting Latent Impressions Practical Exercise

Day 4

• Lifting Latent Impressions Practical
  • Outdoors
    • Vehicle Practical
  • Indoors
    • Windows
    • Sheet Rock
    • Wood
    • Paper
    • Non-Porous

Day 5

• Documentation Process
  • Case Placard
  • Protocols
  • Field Sheet
  • Chain of Custody Documents
  • Evidence Log
    • Practical Exercise
  • Storage of Images
    • Media
    • Drobo
  • Cross Referencing Apparatus

Day 6

• Standard Post-Mortem Techniques
  • Cadaver Spoons
  • Degloved Skin
• Advanced Post-Mortem Preparation Techniques
  • Cleaning of Adipocere
  • Rehydration of desiccated skin
    • Sodium Carbonate
    • Hot Water
• Iodine Staining of Degloved Skin

Day 7

• Post Mortem Macro Photography Techniques
  • Capture of prophylactic images
    • Ensure some image is preserved before:
      • Chemical cleanig
      • Rehydration
  • Light process
    • Ambient
      • Normal
      • Low
      • Oblique
  • Considerations for decomposition color changes
  • Maintaining proper labelling of digits
  • Positive accountability of digits

Day 8

• Post-Mortem Macro Photography Practical
• Complete Case Exercise

Day 9

• Complete Case Exercise
• Group Case Review

Day 10

• Photographic Review of Actual Cases
  • Students will identify:
    • Viability
    • Appropiate Process
    • Photographic Considerations
• Review
• Examination
• Graduation

Course Information

• Tuition: $995
  
• Tuition + Equipment: $2,995

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