Forensic Photography has just recently become an interest of mine and it is what I aspire to be in the future. In order to do this I had to create a portfolio and after speaking with a professional forensic photographer, I got the idea of creating my own mock up crime scenes. It was a perfect way to show my level of skills with a camera without breaking rules of confidentiality as this area of photography is key for that with the types of things that are photographed. If anyone in particular does not know what forensic photography is, it is a profession that specilises in working at crimes scenes and documenting the evidence that is there in a very precise and careful manner, although it is not the prettiest of jobs when it comes to evidence you have to photograph. If you are interested in crime and photography and not afriad of gory sights, then this the perfect area for you.
If you are aspiring to be a forensic photographer like me, here are three of my personal tips that you can follow to set you onto the right path:
1- Portfolio: Your portfolio has to be filled with work that shows your attention to detail as well as your precision and technical skills with a camera. If you are stuck on ideas to add into your portfolio, then here is a few you can try: 1, Contact your local butcher and see if you they have any animals organs e.g. pigs hearts or lungs that you are able to photograph. 2, Create your own mock up images of a crime scene and when you do this make sure to include a murder weapon as well as a body and you could even spice it up by adding more detail like footprints or even other objects to create a storyline of your own. 3, Experiment with bite marks, buy yourself an apple and get your friends to bite into it an photograph the bite marks, before photographing your friends teeth to compare the both of them together. this shows your attention to detail as well as precision with measurements.
2- Experience: From speaking to professional I learned the knowledge that before you jump straight into forensic photography that having experience is key. I would personally email your local hospital and talk to them possible work experience or training in the area of medical or clincal photography. The reason I would reccommend this is because these two areas of forensic and medical/clincal photography are more similar than you think and it prepares you for the sights you would see when you do become a forensic photographer.
3- Research: This is key in order to figure out if this area is the right one for you and if it is, then I would recommend looking into medical and clinical photographers to email and asks questions about their profession in order to gain as much knowldge as you possible can. They might be even willing to help secure you a training oppurtunity or some work experience, but if not they are still key contacts to have for the future, especially if forensic photography does not work out for you, there is still a back up plan for you already in place.
