Photographing and Casting Footwear/Tiretrack Impressions in Snow

• NCJ Number: 132183
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1991) Pages: 92-95
• Author(s): E E Hueske
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

To obtain photographs of impressions in snow in Northern Arizona, a black spray primer paint was used to create "shadows" to bring out the detail.

Abstract

Techniques for photographing and casting footwear and tire track impressions in snow are reviewed. By directing black spray primer paint at an oblique angle to the impression, it is possible to achieve visualization of the detail. Investigators may photograph with or without flash with equally good results in most instances. The use of a tripod, remote shutter release, and general purpose black/white film is recommended. Excellent casts are possible with a product called Snowprint-Wax which allows the use of dental stone to make casts in snow. By substituting automotive spray primer-surfacer for Snowprint-wax, one can achieve low cost, but comparable dental stone casts of snow impressions.