Jim Page, 2007 Chapter 5: Mishap Photography MINA Handbook.

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007

Chapter 5: Mishap Photography

MINA Handbook


Mishap Photography


AFPAM 91-211

“Well-defined photographs help in mishap analysis. Use them to show damage, impact areas, metal fractures, …., vehicle travel, etc. Only include photographs aiding in understanding the mishap and reference them in the analysis at Tab T. Use of scanned or color copies for reproduction in the formal report is preferred over pasting of actual photographs. Do not include photographs of deceased personnel in the safety report. Place an index of photographs at Tab S to aid reviewers. Staged photographs are placed at Tab T near the related narrative…Pointing a finger or other device at a portion of wreckage does not make the photograph staged…”


Tools of the Trade

• Single use

• Point and shoot

• Single lens reflex

• Field/technical camera

• Video camcorder


Tools of the Trade

LENSES USEFUL TO INVESTIGATORS

Wide angle

Normal

Telephoto

Zoom

Macro


Tools of the Trade

Flash

FiltersUVa and UVb

Skylight

Polarizer

Exposure Meters

Camera Supports


Tools of the Trade

Cable Release

Exposure Meter

Gray Cord

Color Scale

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 The Camera in YourInvestigator’s Kit

Digital camera that includes:

Zoom lens

Macro capability

2-4 mega pixel format

Flash

+

Small ruler

Notebook

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 What to TellThe Photographer to Bring

2-35mm single lens reflex cameras

OR

2 Full featured digital cameras with 8+ mega pixel capacity

Zooms lenses covering 28-135mm focal lengths

Macro lens

Powerful external flash

Exposure/flash meter

Tripod, cable release

Polarizing and UV filters

Gray cord, color scale

Film

Extra batteries


Priorities for Photography

• Perishable Evidence

• Scene Overview

• Wreckage Overview

• Significant Findings/Events


Photographer and Equipment

• Trained Photographer

– Could be the investigator or a professional photographer

• Investigation Team Members

– Assist in determining what to photograph - may end up taking their investigative photographs

• Camera Types

– Film versus digital photography

• Who controls the photography at a mishap scene?

• Who controls the photographs after they are taken?


Steps in Photography• For reporting purposes, identify EVERY photograph within

the photograph– 3x5” card and black marker– To prevent future legal issues, take a picture before placing

the identifying marker in the scene• Start with a wide general view and then move to medium and

close-up if desired• Use flash to fill in shadows if necessary

– Alternatively, use shadows to emphasize scratches and markers

• Take pictures from specific positions and perspectives and identify those positions on sketches and diagrams

• Have plenty of film or digital medium


Using the Camera

FIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Composition

Subject lighting

Focus

Lens opening

Shutter speed


Composition

• How you arrange the subject in the photograph

– Move in close -- make the subject fill the frame

– Remove extraneous details and distractions

– Consider a contrasting background if the existing background is not essential to the meaning of the photograph

– Take you photograph from several different angles

– Digital camera? Check to see if you got what you wanted


Subject Lighting

• Best light is soft and even

– Shade works well

– Helps control specular reflections on metal surfaces

• Use flash to control contract between highlights and shadows


Focus

• Select the most important part of the subject

• Focus on that part

• Frame the photo

• Check your depth of field

• Set lens opening and shutter speed

• Take your picture

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Lens Opening andShutter Speed

• Both control exposure

• Lens opening controls intensity of light on film

• Shutter speed controls duration of light on film

• High shutter speed to reduce movement or camera shake

• Small lens opening to increase depth of field

• Reciprocal relationship


Wide View

Medium View

Close Up

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Use Flash toHighlight Detail


Vehicle Mishap Photography

• Best -- Photograph all four corners. Then photograph areas of interest

• Acceptable - Two oblique shots from opposite corners. This method does not show extent & direction of collapse.


Fire Photography

• Use color film

• Take pictures of flames, if possible

• Photograph smoke

• Take pictures of spectators

• Shoot charred and burned areas, smoke patterns

• Take exterior and interior shots. All 4 walls and both sides of doors

• Key ignition sources or fire protection devices


FIRE INCIDENT


What to Put in the Report?

• Illustrate your findings, not entertain the reviewer or reader

• Relate directly to description or analysis contained in the report

• Large enough to be reproduced with necessary detail

• Clear enough for the reviewer, reader

Jim Page, 2007 Chapter 5: Mishap Photography MINA Handbook.

Documents

Transcript of Jim Page, 2007 Chapter 5: Mishap Photography MINA Handbook.