Definition of termsPhotographyThe art and science of reproducing image means of light through some sensitized material with the aid of camera, lens and accessories and the chemical process required in order to produce a photographForensicDerived from the latin word forum which means a market place where people gathered for public discussionWhen used in conjunction with other sciences it connotes a relationship to the administration of justice. It is sometimes used interchangeably with the word legal.

Police PhotographyThe application of the principles of photography in relation to the police work and in the administration of justicePhotographThe mechanical and chemical result of photographyPicture and photograph are not the same. Picture is a generic term which refers to all kinds of formed image while photoraph is an image that can only be a product of photography

Use of PhotographyPersonal IdentificationConsidered to be the first application of photoraphy in police workAlphonse Bertillion was the first police to utilize photography in police work as a supplementary identification in the anthropometry systemCommunicationPhotograph is considered to be one of the most universal methods of communication considering that no other language can be known universally than photography

For Record PurposesConsidered to be the utmost use of photography in police work. Examples:General ViewTaking an over all view of the scene of the crimeShows the direction and location of the crime sceneMedium ViewTaking of photograph of the scene of the crime by dividing it into sectionBest view of the nature of the crimeClose-Up ViewTaking of individual photograph of the evidence at the scene of the crimeDesigned to show the details of the crimeExtreme Close-Up ViewCommonly designed in laboratory photographing using magnification

For PreservationCrime scene and other physical evidence requires photograph for preservation purposesCrime scene cannot be retained as is for a long period of time but through photograph the initial condition of the scene of the crime can be preserved properly

For Discovering and ProvingPhotography can extend human vision in discovering and proving such as:Use of Magnification:PhotomicrographyTaking a magnified photograph of small object through attaching a camera to the ocular of a compound microscope so as to show minute details of physical evidencePhotomacrography/ MacrophotographyTaking a magnified (enlarged) photoraph of small object by attaching an extended tube lens (macro lens) to the cameraMicrophotographyProcess of reducing into small strips of film a scenarioFirst used in film makingTelephotographyTaking of a photograph of a far away object with telephoto lens

Use of artificial light such as x-ray, ultra-violet, infra-red rays to show something shich may not be visible to the human eyeFor Court ExhibitsAlmost all evidence presented in court before formally be accepted requires that they satisfy the basic requirements for admissability which is relevancy and competency.Evidence presented and accepted in court is referred to as evidenceExhibit 1, 2, 3 DefenseExhibit A, B, C ProsecutionCrime PreventionWith use of video camera (hidden camera) and other advance phtographic equipment are being detected more easily and prevent it from occuring

Police TrainingModern facilities are now being used as instructional material Reproducing and CopyingAny number of reproduction of the evidence can be made giving unlimited opportunity for its examination and allow experts or other person to examine specimen without compromising the original

Essentials of PhotographyLightCameraLens Sensitized MaterialChemical Process