CFP Foundational Concepts & Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In forensic photography, what is the primary purpose of establishing a photographic log at a crime scene?
- To satisfy insurance requirements
- To document the sequence, settings, and subjects of each photograph taken (Correct answer)
- To record the names of witnesses present
- To catalog the photographer's personal equipment
Correct answer: To document the sequence, settings, and subjects of each photograph taken
A photographic log establishes a chain of custody for images by recording the sequence, camera settings, and subjects of every photograph taken at the scene.
Question 2: Which photographic approach best demonstrates the relationship between a piece of evidence and its surrounding environment?
- Close-up photography only
- Mid-range or relationship photography (Correct answer)
- Aerial photography
- Infrared photography
Correct answer: Mid-range or relationship photography
Mid-range (relationship) photography shows the spatial relationship between an item of evidence and its immediate surroundings, providing critical context.
Question 3: When photographing a crime scene at night or in low-light conditions, which technique is most appropriate for illuminating a large area while maintaining image quality?
- Painting with light using a handheld flashlight during a long exposure (Correct answer)
- Using only the camera's built-in pop-up flash at maximum power
- Increasing only the aperture to its widest setting
- Relying solely on available street lighting
Correct answer: Painting with light using a handheld flashlight during a long exposure
Painting with light involves moving a handheld light source during a long exposure to evenly illuminate large dark scenes without overexposure.
Question 4: What does the term 'chain of custody' mean in the context of forensic photography?
- The order in which photographers are rotated at a crime scene
- The documented, unbroken record of who has handled evidence or images from collection through court presentation (Correct answer)
- A photographic technique for capturing linked items of evidence
- The sequence of zoom levels used when photographing evidence
Correct answer: The documented, unbroken record of who has handled evidence or images from collection through court presentation
Chain of custody is the unbroken, documented record tracking possession and control of evidence or images to ensure their integrity for court.
Question 5: A forensic photographer discovers that a key piece of evidence has been accidentally moved before being photographed. What is the best course of action?
- Move the evidence back and photograph it as if it were in its original position
- Document the current position, note the disturbance in the log, and photograph it in its present location (Correct answer)
- Omit the evidence from the photographic record entirely
- Wait for the lead detective to resolve the issue before taking any photographs
Correct answer: Document the current position, note the disturbance in the log, and photograph it in its present location
Integrity requires documenting the actual current state of the scene, noting any known disturbances in the log to maintain an accurate and truthful record.
Question 6: Which type of scale marker is most appropriate when photographing a bloodstain pattern to allow accurate size determination?
- A ruler with only centimeter markings placed anywhere near the stain
- An ABFO No. 2 scale or L-shaped ruler placed parallel to the pattern in the same plane (Correct answer)
- A coin of known denomination placed on top of the stain
- No scale is needed if the room dimensions are known
Correct answer: An ABFO No. 2 scale or L-shaped ruler placed parallel to the pattern in the same plane
An ABFO No. 2 or L-shaped scale placed in the same focal plane as the evidence allows accurate measurement and is the accepted forensic standard.
Question 7: In the three-tier systematic approach to crime scene photography, what is the correct sequence?
- Close-up, mid-range, overall
- Mid-range, overall, close-up
- Overall, mid-range, close-up (Correct answer)
- Close-up, overall, mid-range
Correct answer: Overall, mid-range, close-up
The systematic approach begins with overall (wide-angle) shots to orient the viewer, then mid-range relationship shots, and finally close-up detail shots of specific evidence.
CFP Foundational Concepts & Principles 2
In forensic photography, what is the primary purpose of establishing a photographic log at a crime scene?