Did You Know?

• To click and record pictures of every little detail at the crime scene.
• These details include the pictures of the room where the crime took place, the victim, injury marks, blood, every object present in the room, etc.
• In the event of an accident, the tire marks, footprints, blood, body parts, every object near the vehicle, the inside of the vehicle (car seats, dickey), etc., need to be recorded.
• The photographs need to follow a high, preset, technical standard and must be of excellent quality, since they are going to be used as court evidence.

• Ideally, there is no 'set' or 'mandatory' degree required to become a forensic photographer.
• People who have started their career as a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer) or CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) can directly get an entry into forensic photography at a later stage.
• For this purpose, you will require good grades in GCSE and an A+ in science or math.
• If you plan at a very early stage to enter this field, you will need to have a degree/course in photography, that includes all the aspects of photography skills, including digital imaging, lighting, and other technical concepts.
• You can then obtain a forensic photography certification. However, 3 years of working experience is a prerequisite for this purpose.
• You can also opt for other degree courses in forensic science, crime scene photography, biomedical, crime investigation, criminal justice, and advanced imaging courses.
• A number of forensic photography schools are also available, where you can take admission to secure a job in this field.

• Your job involves you to witness horrifying sights and deal with scary objects everyday.
• You are therefore, expected to be courageous, ignore them, and concentrate on your work.
• Your tools would include heavy cameras (possibly), tripod, digital cameras, lights, lenses, etc., you should know how to handle them all.
• Also, understand the hazards associated with crime scenes and equipment.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic photography jobs, as of 2013, are likely to fetch an annual pay packet of more than USD 26,000.
• The projected job growth is not very remarkable, however, it is estimated to be around 4% until 2022.
• Freelance photographers who work with independent detective agencies and for private investigators may earn more or less, depending on their contracts.

• The working conditions vary of course, you will mostly be working onsite, to photograph crime scenes.
• You will be subject to an erratic schedule and late night shifts too.
• You should be ready to work in harsh weather conditions and far-off places.
• You need to demonstrate courage, and not squirm at the sight of blood or dead bodies.

• The International Association for Identification (IAI) also requires that you complete 40 hours of classroom training in photography courses, in college, forensic schools, or the police academy.
• Apparently, most forensic photographers begin their career as CSI or SOCO, both of which you will require formal training with the law.
• After gaining sufficient experience, they can branch out to learning about digital imaging and the intricacies of forensic science.
• That said, you also have special training modules set up in-house by the law or by private forensic service companies.
• Your training will include assessment tests, practical tests, and other examinations related to photography and forensic science.
• After training, you will be recruited by the police force, and after gaining sufficient experience, you can branch out independently.

• With regards to your certification and training, you do not need to be a member of IAI or any other organization.
• The Forensic Photography Certification Board has the right to deny certification, on the grounds of violation of IAI (or similar) code of ethics, improper behavior, unethical conduct, criminal record, etc.
• You will need to be alert 24X7, for paying attention to detail is very vital for this profession.
• You will need to have very good communication skills as well.
• You may be called to testify in court, therefore, pay particular attention to every little detail at the crime scene.
• You have a number of jobs for this field even outside the law enforcement.