The following questions have been drafted as possible areas for discussion with professional forensic photogrpahers. This list will be reviewed by my tutor prior to me undertaking any interviews:
- Forensic photography creates a permanent visual record of the crime scene in the state in which it was originally found and plays a huge role throughout the entire investigation. Can you explain how you approach this or does it depend on the individual circumstance?
- The images play a key role in reconstructing the events which took place and give jurors a clear image of the crime. How difficult is it achieve this? What are the key areas to consider and avoid?
- How do you separate your personal professional photography skills from that of being a forensic photographer or are they complimentary?
- What is your coping mechanism for dealing with the different scenarios you are faced with? Is it easier to deal with a scene rather than a victim?
- What would you say is the hardest thing to face?
- How did you become a forensic photographer? What drew you to this as a career?
- What’s in your kit bag? How has this changed if at all? (assume you have only used digital equipment)
- Are there any special techniques that you use to ensure all evidence has been captured?
- How are the images stored to ensure they are protected and retrievable in cases of a miss trial for example?
- How long is forensic photography stored for? Or is it never destroyed?
- Have you ever been asked to review archived images that may have used film for example? Would you say that the use of film/negatives hold more detail than those of digital?
- Has there ever been a case where images that you have taken have affected the outcome of a case?
- What are the challenges you face when you first arrive at the scene?
- How often is imagery not used do you think in a legal case?
- How important do you think it is to have some form of medical knowledge as well as photography skills to undertake forensic photography?
- Have your professional skills ever been questioned during an investigation?
- There have been cases reported of mistaken identity (ID shots) or false memory in court cases how important do you think forensic photography is in playing the part of scene sitting and memory recall of witnesses?
- Do you think the image only shows the facts?
- How much of the process is based on your perspective? Do you think this could affect the outcome or does the camera never lie?
Feedback on my questions:
Hello Michele,
Congratulations on capturing one of the lesser spotted practitioners.
Your questionnaire is too long. It is best to have fewer questions that provide scope for in-depth discussions. The more questions, the less time for each.
The questions that pursue the nature of the photograph are the most appropriate ones; especially the ones that question reality, fact and the undisputed realism of photography. Questions on technique are also appropriate as long as you can create links between the responses and your own and general professional practice.
Just remember that this is partly about getting information from the professional. Crucially and for the most part, it is about you being able to use this information. That is why questions about facts and fallacies are important; because they give you a different professional’s insight into your topic.
Questions I would definitely keep: 1, 2, 3, 4,8, 9, 13, 17, 18,19,20.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Michele Usher 