Forensic photogrpahers are highly skilled professionals that work with law enforcement agencies.
A forensic photographer must have deep knowledge of criminal justice and law requirements, as well as the necessary knowledge of forensics and professional photography. Evidence photography is used to solve crimes and present evidence in court cases or legal documentation. Individuals aspiring to become forensic photographers must have certain skill requirements met before they can begin work in the field.
Instructions
1. Major in areas such as criminal justice, photography, criminology, crime scene technology and crime scene investigation.
2. Find a school that offers classes specifically in forensic photography. Various community colleges offer certificate courses in the field. Most course plans involve taking a combination of classes in both photography and criminal justice.
3. Acquire certification. The IAI and Evidence Photography International Council are two agencies that certify forensic photographers. Both the IAI and EPIC provide detailed information on the necessary requirements for certifications. The IAI requires 40 hours of photography courses from a college or police academy, while the EPIC requires passing an examination that includes photography skills.
4. Know the legal requirements of your photos. This involves knowing and producing photographs that can stand as evidence in legal documentation and in court. Alexander Jason, a certified senior crime scene analyst, says, "A Forensic Photographer must be able to produce good images of evidence items -- both wide and close up; crime and accident scenes (with the ability to recognize the significant elements); injuries on live bodies; and full documentation of dead bodies at the scene and at autopsy."
5. Get on-site experience in forensic photography by working with police agencies, law firms and crime labs. This experience will be vital in preparing you for your responsibilities and expectations as a forensic photographer. This training will also reflect well on your resume as a forensic photographer.
6. Obtain letters of recommendation for your photographic skills and job experience. The IAI requires at least two letters of recommendation for certification. These letters of recommendation will be proof of your work in both photography and forensics-related fields.
7. Determine if you will be comfortable with the profession. You must be comfortable with photographing crime scenes related to murder, robbery and other violent crimes. You should have the required mental clarity that is needed to handle witnessing such scenes on a frequent basis.
Tags: crime scene, criminal justice, letters recommendation, both photography, comfortable with, forensic photographer
