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Instructor: Dr. Amy Santoro

Course length: 4 hours

Crime scene photographs are the permanent record of a crime scene and are critical evidence in any case. This course is designed to teach students the correct way to compose crime scene photographs when documenting crime scenes, evidence, and people.
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Students will be introduced to the cardinal rules of crime scene composition, review the exposure triangle, and learn how to avoid common issues in image composition. While some concepts are suited towards students with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, point and shoot camera users can also benefit from this course.

Course Outline:

Exposure Triangle Refresher

  • Aperture and Depth-of-Field
  • Shutter speed
  • ISO
  • Review of camera modes

Three Types of Crime Scene Photos

  • Overall
  • Midrange/Evidence Establishing
  • Close up Photos

Composition Examples

  • Crime Scene
  • Vehicle
  • Person
  • Decedent

Composition Pitfalls/Traps to Avoid

  • Capturing the Photographer
  • Dealing with Hotspots and Reflections
  • Distortion
  • Composing for Sunlight
  • Composing and Metering

Cardinal Rules

  • Fill the Frame
  • Maximize Depth-of-Field
  • Keep the Film Plane Parallel

Tips for Success

This course includes in-class exercises.  Attendees should have their camera at the time of attendance if possible.

This course has been approved for 4 hours of certification/recertification training credits by the IAI Forensic Photography Certification Board and for 4 hours of re-certification credits by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.
Dr. Amy Santoro

Dr. Amy Santoro

Specialties

Crime Scene Investigation, Shooting Incident Reconstruction, Forensic Photography

TFT Courses Taught

Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - Santoro​Advanced Crime Scene Investigations (3-days)Advanced Crime Scene Investigations (4-days)Advanced CSI: Shooting Scene InvestigationsBasic Camera Functions WebinarBloodstain Pattern Analysis (Santoro)​Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Pattern ClassificationBloodstain Pattern Analysis: From Observation to ReconstructionCrime Scene Photography CompositionSexual Assault Scene Investigation

About Dr. Amy Santoro

Holding ​a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensics, a Master of Science in Forensic Science, and a PhD in Forensic Sciences, Dr. Amy Santoro is recognized by the International Association for Identification as a Certified Crime Scene Analyst. ​ Amy enjoys teaching and has taught courses in crime scene investigation and forensic photography to law enforcement and forensic practitioners. She is also an adjunct university professor, teaching  undergraduate classes in forensic biology and general forensic science.

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