Jim Page, 2007 Chapter 5: Mishap Photography MINA Handbook

Jim Page, 2007 Mishap Photography

Jim Page, 2007 AFPAM “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…”

Jim Page, 2007 Tools of the Trade Single use Point and shoot Single lens reflex Field/technical camera Video camcorder

Jim Page, 2007 Tools of the Trade LENSES USEFUL TO INVESTIGATORS Wide angle Normal Telephoto Zoom Macro

Jim Page, 2007 Tools of the Trade Flash Filters UVa and UVb Skylight Polarizer Exposure Meters Camera Supports

Jim Page, 2007 Tools of the Trade Cable Release Exposure Meter Gray Cord Color Scale

Jim Page, 2007 The Camera in Your Investigator’s Kit Digital camera that includes: Zoom lens Macro capability 2-4 mega pixel format Flash + Small ruler Notebook

Jim Page, 2007 What to Tell The Photographer to Bring 2-35mm single lens reflex cameras OR 2 Full featured digital cameras with 8+ mega pixel capacity Zooms lenses covering mm focal lengths Macro lens Powerful external flash Exposure/flash meter Tripod, cable release Polarizing and UV filters Gray cord, color scale Film Extra batteries

Jim Page, 2007 Priorities for Photography Perishable Evidence Scene Overview Wreckage Overview Significant Findings/Events

Jim Page, 2007 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?

Jim Page, 2007 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

Jim Page, 2007 Using the Camera FIVE CONSIDERATIONS Composition Subject lighting Focus Lens opening Shutter speed

Jim Page, 2007 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

Jim Page, 2007 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

Jim Page, 2007 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, 2007 Lens Opening and Shutter 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

Jim Page, 2007 Wide View Medium View Close Up

Jim Page, 2007 Use Flash to Highlight Detail

Jim Page, 2007 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.

Jim Page, 2007 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

Jim Page, 2007 FIRE INCIDENT

Jim Page, 2007 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