NCJ Number
219055
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 8,10,12,16,17
Date Published
June 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article suggests basic equipment needs for crime scene photographers, offering equipment choices at both ends of the budget spectrum.
Abstract
The first concern of a crime scene photographer is a good camera bag or case. The author suggests investing in a quality carrying case for expensive camera equipment and identifies a couple of camera bag options, such as a hard-sided camera case with customizable foam inserts. Another essential component of a crime scene photographers toolkit is a high-quality, sturdy tripod. For crime scene photography, tripods should have a head or center shaft that can be mounted upside down. The author suggests that metal tripods with quick-release latches are user friendly and durable. A crime scene photographer must also have certain lens care products on hand, including a soft, bristled lens air brush, a lens cloth, and a liquid lens cleanser solution. For simplicity, photographers can find perfectly acceptable lens maintenance kits at camera shops and department stores for just a few dollars. Several different types of flash and lighting tools are also a necessity. Photographers should have an off-camera cord that connects to the camera’s hot shoe at one end and the flash shoe at the other, a diffuser, and non-reflective backing for taking close-ups. The author prefers to use a blue surgical towel for non-reflective backing. When photographing reflective evidence, the author suggests the use of a diffusion dome. The toolkit should also include two to three extra boxes of flash batteries. While not completely necessary, the crime scene photographers toolkit would also benefit from the inclusion of a shutter-release cable or cord, a set of 3- to 6-inch evidence rulers, white first-aid tape for labeling evidence, two-sided tape, a rain cover and lens hood, and several weatherproof markers. While this equipment will suffice, other suggestions are made if budgets are not an issue. Exhibits