Definition of terms

Photography
The art and science of reproducing image means of light
through some sensitized material with the aid of camera,
lens and accessories and the chemical process required
in order to produce a photograph
Forensic
Derived from the latin word forum which means a
market place where people gathered for public discussion
When used in conjunction with other sciences it connotes
a relationship to the administration of justice. It is
sometimes used interchangeably with the word legal.
Police Photography
The application of the principles of photography in
relation to the police work and in the administration
of justice
Photograph
The mechanical and chemical result of photography
Picture and photograph are not the same. Picture is
a generic term which refers to all kinds of formed
image while photoraph is an image that can only be
a product of photography
Use of Photography
Personal Identification
Considered to be the first application of photoraphy
in police work
Alphonse Bertillion was the first police to utilize
photography in police work as a supplementary
identification in the anthropometry system
Communication
Photograph is considered to be one of the most
universal methods of communication considering
that no other language can be known universally
than photography
For Record Purposes
Considered to be the utmost use of photography in police
work. Examples:
General View
Taking an over all view of the scene of the crime
Shows the direction and location of the crime scene
Medium View
Taking of photograph of the scene of the crime by dividing it into
section
Best view of the nature of the crime
Close-Up View
Taking of individual photograph of the evidence at the scene of
the crime
Designed to show the details of the crime
Extreme Close-Up View
Commonly designed in laboratory photographing using
magnification
For Preservation
Crime scene and other physical evidence requires
photograph for preservation purposes
Crime scene cannot be retained as is for a long
period of time but through photograph the initial
condition of the scene of the crime can be
preserved properly
For Discovering and Proving
Photography can extend human vision in discovering and
proving such as:
Use of Magnification:
Photomicrography
Taking a magnified photograph of small object through attaching
a camera to the ocular of a compound microscope so as to show
minute details of physical evidence
Photomacrography/ Macrophotography
Taking a magnified (enlarged) photoraph of small object by
attaching an extended tube lens (macro lens) to the camera
Microphotography
Process of reducing into small strips of film a scenario
First used in film making
Telephotography
Taking of a photograph of a far away object with telephoto lens
Use of artificial light such as x-ray, ultra-violet, infra-
red rays to show something shich may not be
visible to the human eye
For Court Exhibits
Almost all evidence presented in court before
formally be accepted requires that they satisfy the
basic requirements for admissability which is
relevancy and competency.
Evidence presented and accepted in court is
referred to as evidence
Exhibit 1, 2, 3 Defense
Exhibit A, B, C Prosecution
Crime Prevention
With use of video camera (hidden camera) and
other advance phtographic equipment are being
detected more easily and prevent it from occuring
Police Training
Modern facilities are now being used as instructional
material
Reproducing and Copying
Any number of reproduction of the evidence can be
made giving unlimited opportunity for its examination
and allow experts or other person to examine
specimen without compromising the original
Essentials of Photography
Light
Camera
Lens
Sensitized Material
Chemical Process