ABSTRACT
Crime scene photography is vitally important to the overall documentation of a crime scene. The photographs must be material, relevant, accurate, and without prejudicial bias. Because the art and science of photography is not well understood, many times the photographic documentation of a crime scene has become just another annoying task that must be checked off a “To Do” list. Crime scene photography should be thought of as an opportunity to impress all those who view the photographer’s work, and especially as an opportunity to affect the jury. By impressing the jury with his or her photographic skill and ability, a crime scene investigator creates the opportunity to dramatically influence the outcome of a trial. Furthermore, the opposite is also true. Failure to capture quality evidentiary photographs can cost the prosecution dearly. Crime scene photography must be regarded as the primary duty of investigators, because everything done subsequently has little value without proper documentation.
