Course Description
Forensic Macrophotography course begins with a review of history and elements of fingerprint classification. Further, there will be an introduction to the Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, including major control functions and camera modes. The class progresses to low light photography and painting with light techniques.
Building on these techniques, there is an introduction to lifting latent and patent fingerprint impressions via macrophotography at a crime scene. This course will cover the standard methods of photographing and documenting a decedent at autopsy, as well as standard postmortem fingerprinting.
These fingerprints are invaluable to identify an unknown person or confirm a presumptive identification. The class culminates with methodology for the collection of usable fingerprints from highly decomposed victims, available only at TSC. The student will engage in ample practical exercises to reinforce the knowledge gained during the course, enabling the graduate to confidently engage in this type of collection.
Course Outline
Day 1
- Welcome and Orientation
- Case Study Review
- Introduction to Fingerprint Collection
Day 2
- Basic Photography
- Introduce
- Aperture
- Shutter Speed
- ISO
- Understand and manipulate the light meter/auto focus in Automatic Mode
- Camera Modes
- Application
- Effect on Camera Controls
- Introduce
- Advanced Photography
- Low Light Photography
- Painting with Light
Day 3
- Fingerprint Classification Review
- Brief History
- Patterns
- Major/minor Minutiae
- Macro Photography
- Lecture
- Lifting Latent Impressions Practical Exercise
Day 4
- Lifting Latent Impressions Practical
- Outdoors
- Vehicle Practical
- Indoors
- Windows
- Sheet Rock
- Wood
- Paper
- Non-Porous
- Outdoors
Day 5
- Documentation Process
- Case Placard
- Protocols
- Field Sheet
- Chain of Custody Documents
- Evidence Log
- Practical Exercise
- Storage of Images
- Media
- Drobo
- Cross Referencing Apparatus
Day 6
- Standard Post-Mortem Techniques
- Cadaver Spoons
- Degloved Skin
- Advanced Post-Mortem Preparation Techniques
- Cleaning of Adipocere
- Rehydration of desiccated skin
- Sodium Carbonate
- Hot Water
- Iodine Staining of Degloved Skin
Day 7
- Post Mortem Macro Photography Techniques
- Capture of prophylactic images
- Ensure some image is preserved before:
- Chemical cleanig
- Rehydration
- Ensure some image is preserved before:
- Light process
- Ambient
- Normal
- Low
- Oblique
- Ambient
- Considerations for decomposition color changes
- Maintaining proper labelling of digits
- Positive accountability of digits
- Capture of prophylactic images
Day 8
- Post-Mortem Macro Photography Practical
- Complete Case Exercise
Day 9
- Complete Case Exercise
- Group Case Review
Day 10
- Photographic Review of Actual Cases
- Students will identify:
- Viability
- Appropiate Process
- Photographic Considerations
- Students will identify:
- Review
- Examination
- Graduation
Course Information
- Forensic Macrophotography 1: $500
- Forensic Macrophotography 2: $500
- Equipment (if necessary): $2,000