Forensic Photography

I am just graduating high school this spring and am new to photography, but already I love it. I'm not really interested in photography as an art form but I want to do something practical with it that will give me a good career. I am interested in science and think I can use both my interests towards one end by becoming a forensics crime photographer.

Does anyone know anything about what schooling I need? Do I need a degree first in science and then work on the photography angle? My dad says as a girl I'll just get bypassed for men wanting the same career.

Any thoughts?

Find the number for the Montgomery County Police Dept and tell them what you hope to do. A detective may be able to speak about how they operate. They may require a degree in forensic science but they can direct you. Their Forensic Science Sections has a Photography Unit that is responsible for the processing, storage and maintenance of all photographic images and evidence, both digital and 35mm film.

One thought. You'd have to photograph some pretty horrible scenes. Hope you have the stomach for it.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: One thought. You'd have to photograph some pretty horrible scenes. Hope you have the stomach for it.

It's one field I know I can not photograph.

Not sure of where you are in the states, but my son was interested in both photography and forensics, too, so hopefully, I can pass some worthwhile info on to you - To get into most forensics depts, you need a degree in FORENSIC science - We took a tour of WVU (West Virginia University) - they are the 2nd best school for forensics, (or were, anyway, at the time he was looking into going there) and also Dr. Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven----They are AAFS FEPAC ACCREDITED - They are #1 in the nation for forensics. When my son Bri went to WVU to check out their program, they gave him an awesome private tour. It was pretty neat, because the camera I was carrying at the time, was the same as the one they used to teach their students for field forensics! (It was the Fuji FinePix5100). The reason they used it at that time, it was the only camera that had cropping within the camera, which made it invaluable because once you leave the crime scene, you can't go back and get closer to what you may realize was evidence... (at least that's what we were told...:shrug: ) Anyhow, I would suggest you do what Baydream suggested, also... But most important - Look into the colleges in your area that offer forensic science, it would give you the BEST edge over someone without a degree...

Now, SOME departments just want you to have a background in photography... as a matter of fact, I had just looked into it here, one of our departments here had an ad in the paper - they didn't want a forensics background, they just wanted someone who had an extensive background in photography - at least an associates degree.

I met a gent, about a year ago, who works for the FBI as a forensic photographer... We spoke for a while, and he was very nive - gave me his card for my son, but my son changed his major the second semester, to Criminal Justice - If I can find his card, I will get his info to you. He was very well versed in photography, and had an AWESOME array of camera/lenses (nikon) that were paid for on the national dime, not his!!!
(My son decided to forgo WVU forensics, as there was no way we could afford for him to go out of state, even with the money WVU was going to give him... we'd have had to come up with 35,000 a year more...OY!)... So he went the criminal justice route instead... having a hard time finding a job, right now even though... I wish he HAD specialized, he'd be more employable I think... Whatever you decide, make sure you investigate all options, and what you will need to do to get there... Does your H.S. have a guidance counselor that is knowledgeable in the colleges and universities nearby you and what they have to offer?

OH - and as far as what your dad said regarding a girl in forensics? The only other person who was admitted to the forensics program beside my son as a direct admit, was a young lady... They only admit 2-3 students as a direct admit to the program, annually... so if you are REALLY interested in this, get into your guidance counsellor's office and talk to them ASAP... you will need to take the SAT and also fill out some FAFSA forms so you know what $$ you would be eligible for...

I'm so sorry this is so long... I guess my "mom" personna just got the best of me, lol! Good luck, honey!!! I think if you are determined, you will make a great forensic photographer!!!!

Ok One last thing... I just saw you are in MD... Look here University of Baltimore.... :Both the M.S. and B.S. programs in criminal justice are among very few programs nationally to be certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Also:
University of Maryland University College, Adelphi
Prince George’s Community College, Largo
Anne Arundel Community College
Stevenson University
Community College of Baltimore County
They all have forensics programs!


Hope that helps a bit!

Jt

The first thing is a must: You MUST become an expert photographer. There are a few schools in forensic photography. It will help if you are detail-oriented as quite a bit of this field is doing close-ups on crime and accident scenes. You don't need a certification but it helps. There are schools on-line that will certify you. Reserach online forensic photograph certifications.

You do realize it's nothing a glamorous as you see on the CSI TV shows don't you?

I doubt very much if being a female will disqualify you from a job as a forensic photographer. I believe - and I hope - it will be your level of skill whcih will qualify you or not. I must mention that the job will probably entail many crime scenes and accident scenes with some very horrible images. You'll need an iron-cast stomach to handle it.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: One thought. You'd have to photograph some pretty horrible scenes. Hope you have the stomach for it.

johnm wrote: I must mention that the job will probably entail many crime scenes and accident scenes with some very horrible images. You'll need an iron-cast stomach to handle it.

Renegade, some police departments and crime labs have entry level positions. when you have a degree in photography from an accredited school you might check with an employment agency specializing in civil service jobs. It may require relocation on your part, so be sure you're ready to go where the job is.