November 16 & 17:

By the end of this course, participants will be comfortable using cameras, lighting, and related accessories in both manual and automatic modes. They will learn how to accurately document scenes without relying solely on automatic camera settings.

The course places special emphasis on photographing fingerprints and small physical evidence such as tool marks and shoe or tire impressions.

 Participants will also learn how to use helpful camera automation features when appropriate to improve efficiency in the field.

 More than half of the class time is devoted to hands-on practice with cameras and lighting equipment. Experienced instructors provide individual guidance throughout the exercises. Before each activity, instructors demonstrate the techniques using their own cameras projected on screen so participants clearly understand the process before performing the task themselves.

 Topics Covered

  • Overview of crime scene and accident photography, including practical methods for documenting scenes.
  • Camera controls: understanding camera buttons, dials, and settings and how they affect photographs.
  • Close-up and macro photography: techniques for capturing fingerprints on different surfaces, tool marks, and ballistic evidence.
  • Exposure: how to achieve proper exposure and control the key camera settings that affect it.
  • Depth of field: using techniques such as hyperfocal distance to capture clear images of evidence.
  • Lighting principles: using flash and continuous light sources and modifying light to improve photographic results.
  • Introduction to alternate light source photography: techniques used with fluorescent fingerprint powders and for detecting body fluids or sub-cutaneous bruising using affordable light sources.
  • Low-light photography: methods for documenting large scenes and small evidence at night using continuous light and electronic flash.
  • Footwear and tire impression photography, including techniques for documenting dust prints from hands and feet.
  • Basic image enhancement techniques for improving clarity in evidentiary photographs.

 

Equipment to Bring

Because this course is highly hands-on, participants should bring the equipment they normally use in their work.

Please bring:

  • Your camera(s)
  • Any lighting equipment you use (electronic flash, LED lights, or other lights)
  • A tripod (a few loaner tripods will be available, but using your own is recommended)

Make sure:

  • All batteries for cameras and flashes are fully charged
  • You bring battery chargers
  • Spare batteries are available if possible

If you have instruction manuals for your cameras or other equipment, please bring them as well.

 

Participants will spend 50% or more of the course working directly with their own equipment while practicing each technique covered in class, so arriving prepared will help you get the most out of the training.

November 18 & 19 :

This 2-Day (16-Hour) Hands-On Refresher re-establishes the fundamental skills required for documenting and processing high-volume crime scenes. Designed for investigators and first responders, this intensive course focuses on a systematic approach to housebreaks, commercial burglaries, and stolen vehicles.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Evidence Preservation: Mastering the “first steps” of documentation and chain of custody.
  • Latent Print Development: Hands-on practice with essential recovery and lifting techniques.
  • Systematic Processing: Efficient collection methods for drug, assault, and property crime scenes.
  • Practical Proficiency: Demonstrating technical skill in the use of processing materials to ensure court-ready results.

Participants will be issued a kit complete with supplies to be used in class (valued at $208)