NCJ Number
186101
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 5 Dated: December/January 1999 Pages: 382-385
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the methods for using conventional photography techniques to photograph and prepare document and court charts.
Abstract
This paper is restricted to picture-taking and does not discuss photographic processing or the final preparation of court exhibits. The author notes that the method described is his particular picture-taking method and may differ in some respects from the picture-taking methods of other examiners. He uses the following camera set-ups regularly: horizontal laboratory camera taking 8 x 10, 4 x 5, and 35 mm films; vertical laboratory camera taking 4 x 5 and 35 mm films; and a portable field outfit that uses either a 4 x 5 press camera or a 35 mm camera. The picture-taking is done in a moderately priced, private document laboratory that has been operating for a number of years. The practice in this laboratory is to use as few cameras, as few film sizes, and as few film types as possible to conveniently and effectively illustrate virtually any document problem that may be encountered either in the laboratory or in the field. Photographic reductions are avoided whenever this is feasible, and an effort is made to obtain some magnification on the film whenever practicable. Most black-and-white pictures, except 35 mm photographs taken in the field, are taken natural size or larger. Color slides are made on 35 mm film, which requires considerable reduction, except when photographing single words or letters of handwriting or typewriting. Lenses, lens mounts, film holders, filters, and films are briefly discussed. 2 footnotes