In some cases an aerial photograph is useful to show the location of the residence and other areas of interest in relation to the primary crime scene.
Witness photographs. Witness photographs are overall photos of the crime scene. They depict the scene as observed by a witness. In the case of a murder crime scene in a house, such photographs might depict the victim lying on the floor viewed from a number of locations in the room. These photographs are designed to tell a story, to relate to someone who was not present what the location looked like. To do this several overlapping photographs should be made. In addition long-range and intermediate range photographs should be taken to show both perspective and the relative positions of different items in the crime scene (Dienstein, 1984).
Close-up photographs. In addition to long- and intermediate-range photos, close-up pictures should also be taken to clarify the scene. Two photographs should be normally taken: 1) as the item actually appears and, 2) the same photographs with a scale or ruler. It's important for the film plane be parallel to the plane of the object. The scale and the parallel film plane insure the ability to produce good enlargement (Svensson, 1984).
Evidence photographs. Photographs of all items of evidence should be made before removing the item or changing it in any way. Photographs should be made of shoe imprints, fingerprints, bloodstains, weapons, defense wounds, and so on. Additional photographs should be taken during the crime scene search when new items of evidence could be discovered.
Using a photo log is generally recommended. Some police agencies use preprinted forms and others keep track of photographs other ways. A typical log might include the case number, date, photographer's name, type of camera, lens, film, and a listing of each photograph. The list may include the shutter speed, f stop, and a brief description or location of the evidence.
