Forensic Macro Photography

Course Description

Forensic Macrophotography will cover the standard methods of photographing and documenting a decedent at autopsy and standard postmortem fingerprinting. These fingerprints are invaluable to identifying an unknown person or confirming a presumptive identification. The class culminates with the methodology for collecting usable fingerprints from highly decomposed victims, available only at TSC.

Forensic Macrophotography 1 

For any officer who processes a standard crime scene:

• Introduction to the DSLR camera
• Low light or ambient light photography
• Painting with light
• Macro photography to lift latent and patent prints
• Postmortem identification photo series
• Standard post-mortem identification techniques

Each student receives a field book, which they annotate throughout the class. Extensive practical exercises are given to build confidence.

Forensic Macrophotography 2

Preparation of skin for decedents found in water or moist surroundings:

• Adipocere removal
• Iodine staining
• Plumping

Preparation of skin for decedents that have been desiccated or mummified:

• Multiple chemical rehydration processes
• Technical instruction on digit or hand preparation
• Specific instruction on taking difficult macro photographs

Each student expands their field book, which they annotate throughout the class. Extensive practical exercises are given to build confidence.

Student will Recieve

• TSC Certification of Completion