BRAZORIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHING A VEHICLE ACCIDENT
The Daylight Accident Scene
Lenses to use: 35mm to 85mm zoom, or 50mm (normal) and
35mm wide-angle.
The 35mm lens is used for overall views and expansive scenes involving multiple vehicles and when confined to short working distances.
The 50mm lens is ideal for average viewing distances, for individual vehicles and scenes and when sufficient working distance is possible.
Use an 85mm or longer lens when isolated views of distant items are needed.
Use "Macro" focusing (if available) for close-up photographs.
Always use a lenshade to avoid the effects of flare!!
Film to use: For Color Prints: ISO 100 speed color negative film.
Black and White: ISO 400 speed film
Color Slides: ISO 400 speed color slide film.
Typical Exposures: (with ISO 400 speed film) Bright sunlight (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 1/250 @ f/16 Cloudy, bright conditions: 1/125 @ f/11 Overcast and dark condition: 1/125 @ f/5.6 Sunrise and sunset (long shadows) 1/125 @ f/8 |
Use fill-in flash when dark shadow areas must be documented: interiors of vehicles, trunk, glove and engine compartments, underside of vehicles, etc. Expose for the existing light and add the proper amount of flash fill. Be sure to use a shutter speed that allows for flash synchronization!! (Normally around 1/60)