COURSE DESCRIPTION
This three–day course builds on skills learned in the Basic course, teaching more advanced image capture techniques, advanced camera equipment handling techniques, and advanced image enhancement in image processing the s to be able to get more out of crime scene images. Typically, more that 50% of the class time is spent doing hands on camera and computer exercises, with close individual attention from the instructors.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Problems in close-up and macro photography- fingerprints on a variety of surfaces, tool marks, ballistic evidence.
- Flash Photography- Automatic vs manual settings in flash photography and why/when to use either; determining the guide number (indoor and outdoor) for any flash or light source; bounce vs. direct flash, fill-flash and closeup flash photography.
- Telephoto/surveillance photography– issues, problems, solutions; using long focal length lenses to best advantage.
- Stopping Motion- How to get sharp photographs of moving objects, how to use camera settings to demonstrate motion, with and without electronic flash.
- Cross polarization and diffusion: the simple techniques for photographing fingerprints and other evidence on shiny or highly polished surfaces.
- Photo Workflow- handling and processing images according to the IAI/FBI Scientific Working group on Imaging technology guidelines. Shortcuts to better photography and image management in the lab.
- Processing raw images: Finding and opening an image; basic enhancement techniques; brightness, contrast, shadow, and highlight modification; scaling fingerprint and tool mark images; using sharpening and contrast to retrieve lost image detail
- High Dynamic Range Photography- extending visibility further into shadows and highlights
- Background reduction in fingerprint and other highly detailed evidentiary images; color isolation, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) and other photographic and software techniques. Includes separating overlapping fingerprints.
- History of digital imaging key cases and what they mean- Frye and Daubert cases on digital imaging. Digital Imaging Acceptance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Students should bring a laptop computer along with any image enhancement software they currently use; open source software will be available if needed.
The Basic Photography course is a pre-requisite, unless exempted by the instructors.
EQUIPMENT:
This is a heavily hands-on course, so you should bring the cameras you will use in your work, any lighting you have like electronic flash, LED, or other lights; a tripod is important (I have a few loaners, but using your own is better). Please make sure you have batteries charged in all cameras and flash, and bring chargers for them as well. Spare batteries are helpful. If you have the instruction manuals for your cameras and equipment, please bring them with you. You will be spending about 50% or more of your time working with your gear to do exercises on each important topic or technique we cover, so being prepared is important.
A NOTE ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Drew Webb has been teaching law enforcement photography since 1973, and was the founder of Polaroid’s Law Enforcement Products Marketing Group. This group developed specialized photo products for law enforcement including closeup cameras, portable x-ray systems for bomb work, and laboratory camera systems. He also was Senior OEM Manager for Polaroid, in which role he maintained corporate contact and developed products in concert with the major photographic companies worldwide. Drew served as Chief Operating Associate of Forensic Consulting Associates of New England LLC for 15 years, teaching and performing digital forensic photography while there, and is a well known specialist and lecturer in forensic light sources, and other cutting edge photography and biometric technologies.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:
Departments sending two members – $374 per person
Departments sending three or more members – $349 per person