Documentation, Analysis, Visualization
Optimizing Forensic Image Capture COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course provides forensic investigators with practical techniques for capturing, evaluating, and processing images in a controlled and repeatable way. You will learn how to configure your camera system, control lighting conditions, evaluate exposures, and manage evidence-grade images using Adobe Lightroom.
This is a 100% online certificate course with live instruction that includes a test and two assignments.
Recordings will be available for two weeks after the course.
Why Achieving Consistency is so Challenging in Forensic Photography?
Variable
Environmental Conditions
Weather, responders, and traffic can destroy evidence.
Inconsistent camera
settings
Poor exposure and lighting create unreliable documentation.
Lack of defensible
procedures
Improper workflow can undermine otherwise valid evidence.
This course teaches an array of optimizations and techniques designed for operator control and forensic reliability
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR?
✔Crime Scene Investigators
✔ Collision Reconstructionists
✔ Forensic Imaging Specialists
✔ Law Enforcement Investigators
✔ Forensic Science Students
✔ Professional Photographers entering forensic work
KEY LEARNING POINTS
• Configure camera systems and controls for consistent forensic image capture, by reducing reliance on automatic settings.
• Apply a structured pre-capture evaluation process including exposure, white balance, scene lighting assessment, and level alignment.
• Implement controlled lighting techniques using a flash with manual power settings, as a primary light source or fill illumination.
• Apply stable shooting methods, including tripod use, stabilization, and appropriate shutter speeds.
• Compensate for variable and inconsistent lighting scenarios.
• Use advanced camera control functions such as global presets, back-button focus, AE/FE lock, and autofocus configuration.
• Evaluate image quality using histograms, highlight alerts, and focus indicators.
• Learn about hyper-focal distance composition and how it can be applied in specific scenarios.
• Understand standardized capture workflows for image organization and metadata management.
• Implement an Adobe Lightroom workflow for import, naming conventions, preset application, and catalog backup.
EQUIPMENT REcommendations
camera
• Mirrorless (recommended) or DSLR
• Zoom lens
• Macro lens
Accessories
• External flash
• Wireless trigger
• Tripod
• 18% grey card
• Adobe Lightroom trial
Apply this knowledge to take control of your photography equipment and
better understand your shooting environment.
Ensure you are documenting evidence in a reliable, consistent, and defensible manner,
thereby enhancing review-ability and courtroom credibility.
Instructor
David Larraguibel
Forensic Photography Specialist
With over a decade of experience in death
investigations and forensic documentation, David Larraguibel has pioneered a modernized photographic methodology and imaging infrastructure designed to support regions
handling high volumes of death investigations.
​
David specializes in employ invisible and non-visible light modalities to document human anatomy,
pathophysiology, and other forensic evidence essential in cases of suspicious deaths and unidentified remains.
He has delivered extensive training to medical
professionals, crime scene technicians, investigators of sexual assault and domestic violence, and both military and civilian police services at all levels of government.
