Crime Scene and Evidence Photography, 2nd Edition is designed for those responsible for photography at the crime scene and in the laboratory. It may be used by law enforcement officers, investigators, crime scene technicians, and forensic scientists. It contains instructions for photographing a variety of crime scenes and various types of evidence. It is a valuable reference tool when combined with training and experience. Crime Scene and Evidence Photography is also a helpful resource for students and others interested in entering into the field of crime scene investigation.

Sections in the guide include:

The value of crime scene photography
A brief history of crime scene photography
Admissibility of photographs in court
Testifying in court
Becoming an expert witness

The camera

Automatic vs. manual photography

Technical photography

Correct exposure

Bracketing
High dynamic range photography
Flash fill

Maximum depth of field
Free from distortion
Sharp focus
Flash Illumination

Electronic flash
Painting with light
Available light photography

Steps in processing the crime scene
The role of the Crime Scene Photographer
The Photo Log
Using video to record the crime scene
Tools of the trade

Photographing injuries
Assault scenes
Homicide scenes
Suicide scenes
Autopsy photography

Burglary scenes
Robbery scenes
Arson and fire scenes
Explosion scenes

Burglary to vehicle
Collision involving vehicle
Technical Photographs of damage to a vehicle

Number of photographs
Using scales and marking devices
Camera and scale orientation
Digital Images
Film
Exposure
Focusing
Establishing the location of evidence
Close-up lenses and devices

Footwear impressions
Tire impressions
Tool marks
Fingerprints
Bloodstain
Bullet path

Laboratory camera equipment
Lighting methods for evidence close-up photography
Camera and scale orientation
Exposure
Serial numbers
Forensic light source photography
Ultraviolet photography
Infrared photography
Clothing
Microscopes
Matching photographs
Exhibits

For the past 30 years Steven Staggs has been a forensic photography instructor and has trained more than 4,000 crime scene technicians and investigators for police and sheriff departments, district attorney offices, and federal agencies. He is also a guest speaker for investigator associations, appears as a crime scene investigation expert on Discovery Channel's Unsolved History, and provides consulting to law enforcement agencies.

Steve has extensive experience in crime scene photography and identification. He has testified in superior court concerning his crime scene, evidence, and autopsy photography and has handled high profile cases including a nationally publicized serial homicide case.

Steve is the author of the Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide, a field handbook for crime scene and evidence photography, which has sold over 40,000 copies and is in use by investigators in more than 2,500 law enforcement agencies.

Steve retired in 2004 after 32 years in law enforcement, but continues to teach forensic photography and crime scene investigations at a university in Southern California. He is the President of Crime Scene Resources, Inc. and Webmaster of the Crime Scene Investigator Network (www.crime-scene-investigator.net), the world's most popular Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science website.