CFP Advanced Techniques & Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When photographing bloodstain patterns at a crime scene, which technique best preserves the spatial relationships between individual stains?
- Macro photography of each stain individually
- Overlapping wide-angle shots with a scale marker in every frame
- Aerial overview combined with measured grid reference markers (Correct answer)
- Infrared photography to enhance contrast
Correct answer: Aerial overview combined with measured grid reference markers
Aerial overview shots combined with a measured grid reference system preserve spatial relationships and allow accurate reconstruction of bloodstain pattern distribution.
Question 2: A forensic photographer encounters a shiny metallic evidence item that reflects glare. The most effective technique to reduce specular reflection is:
- Increase the ISO to overpower the reflection
- Use a polarizing filter and position the light at a low angle (Correct answer)
- Switch to a wider aperture for shallow depth of field
- Photograph only in direct sunlight
Correct answer: Use a polarizing filter and position the light at a low angle
A circular polarizing filter, combined with oblique lighting, reduces specular reflection off metallic surfaces without altering the evidence's apparent color.
Question 3: Which shutter speed technique is most appropriate when photographing a crime scene with flickering fluorescent lighting to avoid banding artifacts?
- 1/1000s to freeze any motion
- 1/30s or 1/60s synchronized to the AC cycle frequency (Correct answer)
- Bulb mode with a wide aperture
- 1/8000s for maximum sharpness
Correct answer: 1/30s or 1/60s synchronized to the AC cycle frequency
Shutter speeds of 1/30s or 1/60s synchronize with the 60 Hz AC power cycle, eliminating the banding effect caused by fluorescent light flicker.
Question 4: When documenting tire track impressions in soft soil, which photographic sequence is considered best practice?
- Macro shots first, then wide establishing shot
- Establish overall scene, then mid-range with scale, then close-up with scale (Correct answer)
- Only close-up shots with oblique lighting
- Overhead wide-angle only to avoid disturbing the soil
Correct answer: Establish overall scene, then mid-range with scale, then close-up with scale
The standard forensic photography sequence progresses from establishing shots to mid-range shots with a scale, and finally to close-up shots with oblique lighting and scale.
Question 5: Alternate Light Source (ALS) photography is best used at a crime scene to:
- Photograph subjects in complete darkness without any additional equipment
- Reveal latent biological evidence such as semen or saliva fluorescing under specific wavelengths (Correct answer)
- Replace standard white light documentation entirely
- Reduce chromatic aberration in images
Correct answer: Reveal latent biological evidence such as semen or saliva fluorescing under specific wavelengths
ALS causes biological fluids like semen and saliva to fluoresce at specific wavelengths, making latent evidence visible that would be missed under normal lighting.
Question 6: In forensic photography, 'examination quality' images differ from 'court quality' images primarily because examination images:
- Are taken with lower resolution cameras
- Prioritize revealing detail for analysis over aesthetic presentation (Correct answer)
- Are never admissible in court
- Require no scale or orientation markers
Correct answer: Prioritize revealing detail for analysis over aesthetic presentation
Examination quality images use specialized lighting and technique to reveal latent details for forensic analysis, while court quality images emphasize accuracy and context for jury presentation.
Question 7: When photographing a victim's injuries for forensic documentation, the photographer should ensure that the first photograph in the sequence:
- Is a close-up showing maximum detail of the wound
- Is an establishing shot showing the victim's full body or identifying context (Correct answer)
- Uses infrared to penetrate bruising
- Is taken with flash disabled to prevent distortion
Correct answer: Is an establishing shot showing the victim's full body or identifying context
The first photograph must be an establishing shot to provide context showing the location of injuries on the body before moving to detailed close-ups.
CFP Advanced Techniques & Methods 2
When photographing bloodstain patterns at a crime scene, which technique best preserves the spatial relationships between individual stains?