Forensic photographers put crime scenes in focus.
A crime scene photographer, or forensic photographer, photographs evidence at a crime scene for use in court. Knowledge of photography is, of course, a must. Tthough you don't need to be an expert to learn the trade, crime scene photographers use special techniques to provide a large depth of field, capture significant detail and contextualize crime scenes. Crime scene photographers must understand the basics of law enforcement. Many begin their careers as police officers.
Crime Scene Investigator
A crime scene investigator is a police officer or FBI agent who gathers evidence at the scene of complex crimes such as homicide, sexual offenses and robberies. His duties may include photographing evidence for admission in court. In addition, the crime scene investigator must collect, handle and package evidence.
To become a crime scene investigator for a police department, you must become a police officer first. The FBI sometimes uses "unsworn" investigators who have never served as police officers, but most have spent time as agents.
Lawyers and Insurance Companies
Lawyers and insurance companies may use forensic photographers; insurance companies may have them on staff. Specialized companies provide forensic services, including photography, to insurance companies and lawyers to gather evidence admissible in court. Forensic photographers often photograph accidents as well as crimes.
Freelance
An independent forensic photographer may be hired by an insurance company, a law firm or the police to do the investigative photography at a crime scene. Most independent forensic photographers are former insurance company photographers or former law enforcement crime scene investigators. Independent forensic photographers are called on as needed. Their services may be required at any time, day or night, and they cover accidents as well as crimes.
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