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Painting with Light: Capturing the Nightime Accident or Crime Scene with Photography

NCJ Number
210470
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 38-40,42-44,46
Author(s)
Robert Kramer
Date Published
June 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article presents information on taking nighttime accident or crime scene photographs.
Abstract
Clearly capturing an accident or crime scene during nighttime hours can be challenging for any photographer, especially a novice police investigator who must photograph skid marks and other evidence that may be scattered over a large area. The type of equipment necessary for nighttime crime scene photography is described and includes a manual camera with adjustable shutter speeds and a "B" setting, a normal lens with adjustable f/stops, a remote cable release, a tripod, and a powerful external flash. Practicing nighttime photography before an actual event requires this skill is highly suggested by the author, with trial and error touted as the best learning strategy. The author discusses aspects of the scene that affect photography techniques, such as cold weather and blowing winds The article includes a checklist for nighttime photography and a textbox on the benefits of digital photography. Exhibits

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