Police forensic photographers

11 years 7 months ago #254415 by Dan Dangerfield
Perhaps I'm just watching to much CSI, but how can one get into forensic photography? Do you need to be police officer in order to get hired for forensic photography?


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11 years 7 months ago #254416 by effron

Why so serious?
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11 years 7 months ago #254429 by garyrhook

Dan Dangerfield wrote: Perhaps I'm just watching to much CSI, but how can one get into forensic photography? Do you need to be police officer in order to get hired for forensic photography?

My understanding is, "no." Just a strong stomach :-)


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11 years 7 months ago #254440 by Joves

garyrhook wrote:

Dan Dangerfield wrote: Perhaps I'm just watching to much CSI, but how can one get into forensic photography? Do you need to be police officer in order to get hired for forensic photography?

My understanding is, "no." Just a strong stomach :-)

And a particular mindset that allows you to be disconnected from what you see. You have t be extra observant but detached from the event, or the victims you are shooting. Many people can not do this especially when it comes to children. I have shot dead things quite often, but only dead animals I have run across in my hikes. Could I do it for people? Sure because of my views on death, and dying. Some say I am cold hearted when it comes to the subject, I say I am realistic. How I look at it is anything past 1 second of being born is a gift, because from that point on we can die at any moment after that, and we will all die at one point. While what you will be shooting is mostly tragedy, it is just how life is.


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11 years 7 months ago #254464 by Dan Dangerfield
Now this is good information guys. So does anyone happen to know if these photographers make a decent living from this form of photography?


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11 years 7 months ago #254505 by Moe
Nope, that is one job I would pass on


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11 years 7 months ago #254576 by Baydream
In our county, the Police Dept hires Forensic Technicians. They are not full sworn officers but do go through extensive background checks and training. They are called to assist in gathering evidence of all sorts (fingerprints, DNA, photographs, etc.). I believe the current dept has about 600 sworn officers. It is NOT the glamor job shown on CSI and does not pay close to the salary of a police officer (and that is not a big salary for what they do).

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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11 years 7 months ago #254586 by Cathy Kadolph
I wouldn't be able to do this job. First sign of blood I would be :sick:

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up." Pablo Picasso
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11 years 7 months ago #254658 by Joves

Cathy Kadolph wrote: I wouldn't be able to do this job. First sign of blood I would be :sick:

:rofl:
As long as it is not mine, it does not bother me.


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11 years 7 months ago #254689 by Connie K Photos
I read enough about all the horrible things in the news, I don't want to be exposed to the raw footage of all this crap. Not for me.


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11 years 7 months ago #254785 by Josh Jofoto
I would have to agree, I'm sure these people get paid a nice coin, but that is one job I wouldn't want.

Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 18-55 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro | CanonEF 17-40 f/4 L | 70-200 f/4 L | 580 EX II
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11 years 7 months ago #254880 by Hoss
I thought they would need to be with the department in order to do anything with the police.


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11 years 7 months ago #255128 by Joves

Hoss wrote: I thought they would need to be with the department in order to do anything with the police.

Depends on where you live really. In major metro area they are employed with the cities. In rural areas they can be contracted with a retainer to be available 24/7 as needed.


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11 years 7 months ago #255165 by Julie Staas
How in the world would you be able to sleep at night after photographing stuff like this? Not me, I would have nightmares!

I'll stick with photographing friendly bunnies and unicorns :rofl: :P

Country Girl out for a stroll
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11 years 7 months ago #255178 by Joves

Julie Staas wrote: How in the world would you be able to sleep at night after photographing stuff like this? Not me, I would have nightmares!

I'll stick with photographing friendly bunnies and unicorns :rofl: :P


Well my reason would be I grew up in downtown Detroit during the riots. :lol:


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