Forensic Photography

What the job entails:

Forensic photographers are required to produce visual records of the scene where a crime or accident has taken place. They need to also produce visual records of evidence including wide shots of the scene as well as details such as fingerprints, tire marks, blood splatters etc. They also need to take detailed photographs of injuries sustained during an accident and dead bodies.

Typical career routes:

Most photographers within this field start as a Crime scene investigator before specializing in photography or forensic imaging. It is not necessary for them to have formal training within photography but a previous qualification often enhances their chance of selection.

Training and qualifications:

Forensic Photographers usually receive general training in crime scene photography once they have already been selected as a Crime Scene Investigator or a Scene of Crime Officer. The qualifications necessary to gain work as a CSI or SOCO are usually at least good passes at GCSE or Standard Grade, including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or maths, and at least one A level or Higher in a science subject. A typical route is to complete a course in photography and to apply for job within the police force or specialist forensic agencies. There are also specialist forensic imaging courses such a degrees and specialised training in Fingerprints, footwear and lighting.

Essential skills and knowledge:

Forensic photographers need to have a good knowledge of photographic techniques and processes, and be able to pay attention to detail.  They also need a good grounding in police methods and must also have a good knowledge of human anatomy.

Employment:

Most forensic photographers are employed directly by the police or specialist forensic agencies. They work pre-defined shifts and a salaried post. Vacancies for Forensic Photographers are advertised in the national press and in specialist journals such as New Scientist, Police Review and the British Journal of Photography.