How to become A Forensic Photographer

According to Pat Brown, “those rare few cases with good forensic evidence are the ones that make it to court.” There can be no justice without proper evidence, and without justice, there is no hope for a civilised society. Forensic Photographers, who capture and preserve physical evidence through their camera lens, play a critical role in the decisive dispensation of justice.

• Crime Scene Photographer
• Evidence Photographer

What do Forensic Photographers do?

A Forensic Photographer would typically need to:

• Work with law enforcement to record and preserve photographic evidence in criminal cases
• Capture images of deceased persons and their injuries that medical examiners use to determine the cause of death
• Photograph the crime scene, blood spatter, broken objects and other items that may be considered as evidence
• Prepare the photographs used in criminal court proceedings; testify in court to explain the photographic techniques used to take the pictures presented as evidence
• Utilise the right equipment such as infrared, ultraviolet light, fluorescent or X-ray cameras and proper imaging tools to capture images detailed and clear enough to help analyse the crime scene 
• Consider the environment and lighting conditions before taking photos; set up the site before the shoot; select a proper film, camera, camera settings and angles
• Ensure that all photographs are appropriately focused, lit and exposed, in addition to possessing a maximum depth of field
• Take video recordings of crime scene proceedings, if necessary
• Process and analyse physical evidence, if asked to take on the responsibilities of a forensic technician
• Collect physical evidence, test it if required, and ensure its safety until law enforcement officials ask for it
• Develop their photos, mark them for easy identification and ensure they are not tampered with or destroyed
• Monitor and maintain an inventory of photographic supplies

For the most part, Forensic Photographers work on chaotic outdoor crime scenes. You may need to work in labs and offices if required to take on the duties of a forensic science technician. You must also work in all types of weather and travel to crime scenes within your jurisdiction.

Forensic Photographers typically work 40 hours a week. They may also need to work overtime, during irregular hours, and in the day, evening, or night shifts. Essentially they must be ready to report for duty whenever necessary.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Forensic Photographers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a viable option.

Forensic Photographers are generally employed by: 

• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Private Forensic Services Companies
• Police Departments & Sheriff's Offices
• District Attorney’s Office
• Regional & State Agencies
• Medical Examiners’ Office
• Private Companies
• Colleges & Universities
• Hospitals & Toxicology Labs

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association for Identification (IAI), are crucial for Forensic Photographers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Having to work for long and irregular periods in chaotic and emotionally distressing environments
• Frequent contact with bodily fluids, broken glass, weapons and other hazards
• Being available to work at a moment’s notice
• The need to work despite inclement weather conditions

Few academic programs are available to a potential Forensic Photographer that include a crime scene photography internship which will enhance your photography crime scene investigation skills.

Contact your local police and fire departments or forensic lab to learn more about opportunities to work alongside them either in a voluntary capacity or through a bonafide internship. Media outlets also offer internships in traditional photography - valuable opportunities to gain professional experience while networking to build career connections.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in forensic sciences to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A high school diploma or equivalent degree is adequate to become a Forensic Photographer. It may be beneficial to study photography, processing, and forensics at the high school level.

Most employers prefer hiring Forensic Photographers who have an associate or bachelor’s degree in photography, forensics, and criminal justice. Students of such programs typically learn lighting techniques, camera mechanics, digital imaging, shutter speeds and the use of colour in photography.

Candidates with a high school education may also have a good chance of being hired when they complete photography, processing, and forensics courses.

Although not mandatory, certification in forensic photography & imaging from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Forensic Photographers can choose to work for individuals and attorneys involved in civil law or related fields once they have earned a name for themselves in the area.

Moving to other fields such as computers, economics, science, and business is also a viable option. You can use the skills learnt in forensic photography to investigate, collect, assess and prepare evidence for use in civil and criminal courts. 

Candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in photography, forensics, or criminal justice have the best job prospects.

Professional Forensic Photographers may choose to obtain certification that could help them with career advancement. It entails passing written and practical exams in addition to meeting education and field experience requirements.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Forensic Photographer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge and enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

Pictures Worth More Than A Thousand Words

Forensic Photographers need to document on film everything down to the tiniest detail at the crime scene. Photos taken by them must display the physical appearance and relative location of the victim, the objects involved in the crime and any physical evidence of the crime such as shell casings, footprints and bloodstains.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Forensic Photographers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Forensic Photographer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The first person to utilise the systematic methods of an investigator within the context of a crime scene was the 19th-century French photographer Alphonse Bertillon. 

At the crux of every decoded ‘whodunnit’ is the meticulous documentation of and piecing together the diverse details comprising the crime. Forensic Photographers do their bit in shoring up hard-to-deny evidence that helps law enforcement mete out justice in a timely and efficient fashion.

You need to ensure that your crime scene pictures are packed with accurate and valid detail and information.