Forensic Photographer Qualifications

by Ellie Williams

Forensic photographers help law enforcement officers solve crimes by documenting crime scenes. They photograph every piece of potential evidence, from bullet holes to broken glass. Police use these photos to reconstruct crimes and lawyers use the images to prove their cases in court. Because their photos play such a large role in solving and prosecuting crimes, forensic photographers must have excellent photography skills and an understanding of law enforcement policies and procedures.

Photography Skills

Forensic photographers must have photography training, preferably in a program that focuses on crime scene photography. Some colleges and universities offer full-time degree programs for students without a law enforcement background.

These programs teach basic and advanced photography skills, in addition to law enforcement procedures, such as how to document a crime scene without disturbing possible evidence and not interfering with the officers' ability to analyze the scene.

Some technical schools and community colleges offer short-term programs, which may be ideal for people already working in law enforcement and wanting to transition into forensic photography.

Forensic Science and Law Enforcement Knowledge

An in-depth understanding of law enforcement procedures is crucial to forensic photography. Forensic photographers work closely with police officers, attorneys and fellow forensic science professionals.

They must understand how to photograph crime scenes so anyone looking at the photos can understand the significance of what's depicted. This may include everyone from police officers to lawyers to members of a jury.

Many forensic photographers begin their careers as police officers or crime scene investigators, or they may have degrees in law or criminology before undertaking additional training in forensic photography.

Other Skills

Forensic photographers can't be squeamish, since they routinely photograph bloody crime scenes, including the bodies of victims. They must be comfortable working in a diverse range of settings, including outdoors and in harsh weather conditions with extreme temperatures, rain or snow.

They need an understanding of safety procedures, because they frequently come in contact with bodily fluids, broken glass, weapons and other hazards. Excellent communication skills are also essential, as they must take direction from officers on the scene regarding what to photograph.

In addition, they need an eye for detail so they'll notice even the smallest bullet fragment or shard of glass, which could be crucial pieces of evidence. They may also work long or irregular hours, and must be flexible enough to respond when needed.


A formal degree in forensic photography isn't the only way to enter the field. Aspiring forensic photographers can also combine basic photography experience and law enforcement training to qualify. Some law enforcement agencies will provide on-the-job training to employees already working in another area of law enforcement or forensic science.

If the employees have basic photography skills, the agency might train them in aspects specific to forensic photography. Once employees have gained professional experience, they can apply for certification as a forensic photographer from a professional association. The Association for Identification, for example, requires certification candidates to have three years of photography experience and 40 hours of photography education.

2016 Salary Information for Forensic Science Technicians


Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/ Images
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