Synopses & Reviews
Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy
Sanford L. Weiss
Based on the author’s quarter century of experience as a practicing professional, Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy is a comprehensive, practical, step-by-step introduction to forensic photography. This book outlines all the processes, protocols, and best practices necessary to accurately document crime, accident, and fire scenes in virtually every context–indoors; outside in rain, snow, heat, or cold; and underwater.
Key features include:
- A focus on digital photography–the first book on the topic with this emphasis.
- Thorough discussion of the importance of accuracy, visual storytelling, and practices and protocols for evidence documentation.
- Step-by-step outlines for generally accepted best practices.
- Inclusive lists of necessary hardware for project success.
- Numerous photo examples.
- Real-life case studies illustrating the steps taken to photographically document evidence.
- Comprehensive glossary of all technical terms.
- A book specific Companion Website with review material, additional photo examples, and links to photography-related websites(www.prenhall.com/weiss).
“This book is highly technical, divided into subsections for easy reference, and covers the A to Z of the fields of photography and forensics.”
–Russell A. Rohde, M.D., F.A.C.P., West Covina, CA.
Synopsis
Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy
Sanford L. Weiss
Based on the author’s quarter century of experience as a practicing professional, Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy is a comprehensive, practical, step-by-step introduction to forensic photography. This book outlines all the processes, protocols, and best practices necessary to accurately document crime, accident, and fire scenes in virtually every context–indoors; outside in rain, snow, heat, or cold; and underwater.
Key features include:
- A focus on digital photography–the first book on the topic with this emphasis.
- Thorough discussion of the importance of accuracy, visual storytelling, and practices and protocols for evidence documentation.
- Step-by-step outlines for generally accepted best practices.
- Inclusive lists of necessary hardware for project success.
- Numerous photo examples.
- Real-life case studies illustrating the steps taken to photographically document evidence.
- Comprehensive glossary of all technical terms.
- A book specific Companion Website with review material, additional photo examples, and links to photography-related websites(www.prenhall.com/weiss).
“This book is highly technical, divided into subsections for easy reference, and covers the A to Z of the fields of photography and forensics.”
–Russell A. Rohde, M.D., F.A.C.P., West Covina, CA.
Synopsis
Designed specifically for the forensic professional, this up-to-date, state-of-the art manual offers a complete look at forensic photography. Its focus is not only on what to photograph, but also how to use the latest equipment and techniques to capture images that translate to the courtroom. Each chapter includes hands-on exercises and actual case studies that reinforce best practices and protocols. Its emphasis on accuracy reinforces how to overcome common roadblocks and its applications appeal to law enforcement personnel, firefighters, insurance investigators, and private detectives.
About the Author
Sanford L. Weiss, BCEP, CI, PI is an Evidence Photographer’s International Council Board Certified Evidence Photographer, a Competitive Intelligence Specialist, and an Illinois State licensed Private Detective (#115-001807). He works for Packer Engineering, Inc. in Naperville, IL, for whom he has documented artifacts and scenes of hundreds of investigations and vision studies over the last 26 years. His work experience includes 17 years in management of the Packer photographic laboratory.
Mr. Weiss has a B.S. degree in management from National Louis University. He holds an Illinois State Teaching Certification for Photography and has been teaching for over 27 years. His teaching experience includes seminars for Northwestern University, University of Southern California, Chicago State University, and currently, the University of California, Davis. He has also taught for the National Transportation Board, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security.
He is regularly published in the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI) Newsletter and has published articles on both Competitive Intelligence and Photography, published in international periodicals including Evidence Technology Magazine.
He received the R.C. Hakanson, Evidence Photographer of the Year Award from EPIC in 2003, the Nikon Evidence Photographer of the Year Award in 2005, and the Nikon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Forensic Photography
Chapter 2 Fair and Accurate Representation
Chapter 3 Visual Storytelling
Chapter 4 Photogrammetry
Chapter 5 Getting Started
Chapter 6 The Image
Chapter 7 Hardware Operations
Chapter 8 3-Dimensionality
Chapter 9 Supplementary Lighting
Chapter 10 Macrophotography
Chapter 11 Low Light Photography
Chapter 12 Videography
Chapter 13 Fire Photography
Chapter 14 Accidents
Chapter 15 Photographing in the Underwater Environment
Chapter 16 Crime Scene
Chapter 17 The Courtroom