Crime Drama Has Always Held A Fascination For The Public
Crime Drama Has Always Held A Fascination For The Public
Crime Drama Has Always Held A Fascination For The Public
forensics drama CSI the most watched TV show in the world. But what is it really like to work in
Forensics? Forensic photographer Robert Mars provides some clues...
I see forensic photography as a way to show the truth. Whatever the story, a photograph
can document a crime scene far better than anyone could describe it in court. But the job isn't
always the way it appears on TV: I don't only deal with murder cases. During the course of one
day I could be photographing anything from the scene of a robbery, a recovered stolen car, a
burnt-out house or a fatal road accident.
I usually work from 8 until 4 every weekday, but I'm on call 7 days a week. All the
incidents I need to cover are gathered together at the Police Communications Centre and then
sent over to me. The officer-in-charge will have briefed me on the crime before I begin my work
at the scene. All the evidence must be photographed before. Police officers can take it away. If
it's a murder investigation, I also photograph the victim before the body is removed by the
medical examiner.
My photos are used to aid investigations and as evidence in court so every detail must be
clearly visible to provide an accurate picture. I start by illuminating the scene with key lights and
usually I use a flash. If I'm photographing a room, I work with a wide-angle lens on my camera
to take an overall view from each corner and also from overhead. Then, using a zoom lens, I
focus on individual details in context. For example, the distance between a discarded knife and a
table could be crucial in a murder investigation. Finally, I take close-up images of key pieces of
evidence. Each photograph gets listed in a photo which includes a description of the object and
the time and date the photo was taken.
I was inspired to follow this career because of my interest in the technical side of
photography. However, because I'm focused on showing facts, there's no room for
experimentation with images. A clear eye is always required and that's a big challenge because
this job can be very tough on a personal level. For my peace of mind, I must be detached as
possible from what I witness. At times, though, it's essential to talk about the emotional impacts
this work can have and all the photographers on our team are encouraged to talk to a
psychologist every three months.
Forensic photography is a specialist field, and there are only a small number of
opportunities made available each year. Anyone who's interested in forensics must have Had
previous experience as a police officer. I'm pleased to have learnt so much more about
photography in this job. If you can stay calm and focused while dealing with the unpredictable,
then this could be a job to consider. You never get bored. Only don't expect it to be like CSI
every day!