Course Introduction

Diploma in Forensic Photography

  • Course Outline
  • Curriculum
  • FAQ
  • Case Studies
  • Reviews

The Professional Diploma in Forensic Photography by SIFS India is crafted to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of crime scene photography.

Crime scene photography is an essential aspect of forensic investigations and plays a crucial role in collecting and preserving evidence. The course aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to capture accurate and reliable images of crime scenes within a legal framework.

Crime scene photography acts as a powerful tool for documenting, collecting, and preserving critical evidence. A few major topics covered in this course are: types and purpose of forensic photography, role of forensic photographers, understanding camera settings, crime scene and laboratory photography, types of crime scenes, photography techniques, photographic documentation of bodies, wounds and artifacts, types of evidence, and special cases like accidents, under water, aerial, surveillance, photogrammetry overview, 3D photography equipment and techniques, forensic photography report writing, and testifying as an expert witness.

Through a blend of theory and real-life case studies and regular assignments, you will become proficient in handling cameras, understanding lighting, and clicking shots that not only convey the scene's details but also its context. You will gain the expertise to follow best practices to ensure your photographs stand up to scrutiny in a court of law.

Your technical crime scene photography skills, along with your knowledge of ethical and legal considerations, can land you high-profile jobs in insurance companies, the media and journalism sectors, private investigation firms, risk management firms, archaeological and anthropological departments, law enforcement agencies, or you can even become a private forensic photographer.

  • Curriculum


    MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module covers the purpose of forensic photography, its role in documenting and preserving evidence, and the types of forensic photography (crime scene, evidentiary, and post-mortem). You will also become familiar with photography techniques and equipment, like digital cameras, macro lenses, and lighting setups to capture detailed crime scene images.

    MODULE 2 – PHOTOGRAPHY AND CAMERA

    In this module, you will learn about the history of photography, the evolution of cameras, camera types and their components, and various photography concepts (depth of field, angle of view, and focal length) for capturing clear-cut images. The module also covers exposing, developing, and printing photographs, along with knowledge about the link between the camera and film negatives in both crime scene and laboratory photography settings.

    MODULE 3 – CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module focuses on different types of crime scenes, photography techniques for crime scene documentation, and photographic documentation of bodies and wounds. You will acquire the skills required to click on exact images of forensic evidence. You will also learn about methods used for photographing artifacts and gain a deep understanding of the vital role photography plays in documenting crime scenes.

    MODULE 4 – EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

    This module covers types of evidence that may be found at a crime scene, photographic documentation of evidence, crime scene documentation techniques, and the concept of digital photography as per current technological advancements. You will also learn the legal framework to follow while using photographs as evidence and the admissibility of such evidence in legal proceedings.

    MODULE 5 – SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SITUATIONS

    This module introduces you to the concept of photographing specific situations, like accidental photography (learning to capture unplanned but valuable images), surveillance photography (capturing areas under observation), aerial photography (capturing evidence and crime scenes from above), and underwater photography (photographing submerged evidence or crime scenes), along with the challenges involved in each type of photographic technique.

    MODULE 6 – PHOTOGRAMMETRY

    This module provides an overview of how to obtain measurements and three-dimensional data from two-dimensional images. It covers perspective grid photogrammetry (grid creation within the image to enable measurements), natural grid photogrammetry (usage of environmental features for reference), and reverse projection photogrammetry (projecting 3D data onto 2D images). These techniques will help you recreate crime scenes precisely from photographs.

    MODULE 7 – 3D PHOTOGRAPHY

    In this module, you will learn the purpose of 3D photography in forensic documentation and specialized 3D photography techniques and equipment (stereoscopic imaging or laser scanning). You will also learn how to create 3-dimensional models of evidence using the concept of 3D photography, which will assist in forensic documentation and analysis, restoring crime scenes, and presenting evidence in court.

    MODULE 8 – REPORT WRITING AND COURTROOM PRESENTATION

    This module covers the significance of well-written reports, methods to document photographic findings and present them clearly in written reports, ways to present photographic evidence in a courtroom, the role of the forensic photographer as an expert witness, the legal framework specific to crime scene photography, and the authentication and admissibility of photographic evidence in court.

  • What steps should I follow to enroll in this professional course?

    To enroll, click on the “Register for Course” option available on the right side of the screen, followed by the provided instructions and payment procedure.

  • Can I pay directly to the bank account of SIFS India?

    Yes, you have the option to make a direct payment to the bank account of SIFS India; all you have to do is write an email to education@sifs.in requesting the bank details. 

  • Which documents do I have to upload at the time of enrollment?

    Academic Qualification Documents, Professional Qualification Certificates, and National ID Proof or Passport Copy are required at the time of enrollment. 

  • What if I am unable to upload my documents?

    Kindly send your necessary documents with proof of payment to admission@sifs.in

  • How will I receive confirmation once I have completed the payment procedure?

    Admission Confirmation email will be sent with your portal credentials once the proof of payment and application form with all the necessary documents is received to admission@sifs.in.

  • How do I login to the portal for my professional course?

    To login, visit the portal at the given link: https://www.sifs.in/student and enter your login credentials, i.e., your username and password shared via email. 

  • What study material access will I have after logging into the portal?

    After logging into the portal, you will have access to reading material, reference eBooks, and e-research papers. 

  • Will I receive any assignments during my course duration?

    Yes, all your assignments, projects, case studies and practice tests will be assigned to you through your portal as per the level you will be enrolled in.

  • What technical prerequisites are necessary for a professional course?

    You can easily access our professional course on mobile or tablet devices. We highly recommend that you use your desktop or laptop and a reliable internet connection for a better view.

  • Are there any prerequisites for this professional course?

    In case of any prerequisites provided by the resource person, we will provide the students with prior information on their WhatsApp group.

  • Are there any live lectures provided in this professional course?

    Yes, live lectures will be conducted through Zoom.

  • How will I receive the session joining link?

    Enrolled students will receive the session joining link via WhatsApp group.

  • What will be the duration of the lecture?

    The duration of each lecture will be one hour.

  • Will I get the recorded lectures?

    Yes, recorded lectures will be provided through your portal.

  • Will there be any exams after completing the professional course?

    Yes, there will be an online exam after completing the professional course.

  • Will I receive any certificates after completing the professional course?

    Yes, upon successful completion of the professional course, you will receive a certificate and marksheet, which can be a valuable addition to your resume and may enhance your career prospects in the field.

  • Where to contact in case of any queries or technical support?

    Write to us at admission@sifs.in, call: +91-1147074263, or WhatsApp: +91-7303913002.

Janie Landers

Janie Landers lived in Salem, Ore, and on March 9, 1979, she disappeared outside the Fairview Training Center for the developmentally disabled.

After five days of her going missing, her dead body was found in an isolated field. Her head was badly smashed, and there were deep stab wounds in the neck.

A witness had seen her enter a stranger’s car. Several people were interrogated, but of no use. Years kept passing by with no results.

However, the victim’s younger sister, Joyce Hooper, kept forcing the authorities to resolve the crime.

36 years passed, and on the anniversary of the murder in March 2015, the case was reopened by the state police on Hooper’s request.

Detective Steve Hinkle, along with several other investigators, examined the photos of Janie’s wound marks near her neck and found no abrasions from a knife handle.

With this, they reached the conclusion that the killer’s hand might have slipped while stabbing, injuring himself, and leaving his own DNA behind in the process.

The blood on Landers’ shirt was retested, and the DNA was matched with that of a man named Gerald Dunlap. He worked in Fairview’s laundry in 1979.

It was discovered by the investigators that Dunlap died behind bars in 2002 for a different rape conviction.

The sister of the victim was thankful that at least he was not out to hurt anyone else.


Note: This is only a glimpse of one of a few case studies that we might cover. All case studies are subject to change as per current trends and developments, except a few famous ones from the past.

Taveshram Narine

5

My experience was really great,  I have really learnt alot. All the sessions were really put together in an excellent way that I understand. I must say thank you to all the facilitators who did a excellent job. Once again thank you all. 

Ewart Nigel Jacobs

5

This is an excellent platform for learning. The lecturers definitely did a great job, which made this course successful. The information and study materials were well received. Thank you all for this well put together course.

Achille Torrezao

5

The learning experience has been a great and informative one.

Roshanie Baichoo

5

My experience with SIFS India was wonderful. The lecturers did a very well job in helping to enhance my skills and broaden my knowledge. I would like to thank you guys for teaching us.

Fazil Karimbaksh

5

I had a good experience with SIFS India, the lecturers were very helpful and the program was well taught, I have learned a lot and I'm very pleased.

 

Instructors

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director

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₹ 23600
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