Forensic Photographer Crime Scene Imaging & Documentation Flashcards
7 cards from real CFP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Forensic Photographer Crime Scene Imaging & Documentation flashcards as text
When photographing a homicide scene, which sequence correctly represents the standard photographic documentation order?
Answer: Overall, mid-range, close-up
Crime scene photography follows overall (establishing), mid-range (relationship), then close-up (detail) progression to build context before isolating evidence.
A forensic photographer arrives at an outdoor shooting scene at dusk. What is the primary concern when using flash photography in low-light conditions?
Answer: Flash may create harsh shadows that obscure bullet wound depth
Direct on-camera flash at close range creates harsh shadows that can distort the apparent depth and shape of wounds or impression evidence.
Which camera setting is most critical to maintain consistency when shooting comparison photographs of tire track evidence at a crime scene?
Answer: Camera-to-subject angle and distance
Maintaining a consistent 90-degree angle directly above the evidence at a fixed distance ensures scale and proportion are not distorted in comparison images.
What does the term 'photographic documentation log' include that is NOT captured in the image metadata?
Answer: Names of officers present during photography
A documentation log records personnel present, scene conditions, and chain-of-custody information that EXIF metadata cannot capture.
A forensic photographer must document latent fingerprints developed with fluorescent powder. Which imaging technique produces the best result?
Answer: UV or alternate light source with a barrier filter and long exposure
Fluorescent-powder-developed prints must be photographed using the matching excitation light and a barrier filter to capture the fluorescence emission while blocking the excitation wavelength.
When photographing a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run, which photographic series is essential beyond standard overall and close-up shots?
Answer: 360-degree walk-around series with consistent distance
A 360-degree walk-around series at consistent distance documents all vehicle surfaces for contact damage, paint transfer, and biological evidence in a court-defensible sequence.
In digital forensic photography, what is the purpose of capturing a 'gray card' or color checker in the first frame of an evidence sequence?
Answer: To provide a reference for accurate white balance and color correction in post-processing
A calibrated gray card or color checker provides a known reference point that allows accurate white balance and color correction during post-processing without altering evidentiary image data.