Forensic Photography: Importance of Accuracy [Hardcover]

Sanford L. Weiss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0131582860 | ISBN-13: 978-0131582866 | Edition: 1

Designed specifically for the forensic professional, this up-to-date, state-of-the art manual offers a complete look at forensic photography. Its focus is not only on what to photograph, but also how to use the latest equipment and techniques to capture images that translate to the courtroom. Each chapter includes hands-on exercises and actual case studies that reinforce best practices and protocols.  Its emphasis on accuracy reinforces how to overcome common roadblocks and its applications appeal to law enforcement personnel, firefighters, insurance investigators, and private detectives.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy 

Sanford L. Weiss

 

Based on the author’s quarter century of experience as a practicing professional, Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy is a comprehensive, practical, step-by-step introduction to forensic photography. This book outlines all the processes, protocols, and best practices necessary to accurately document crime, accident, and fire scenes in virtually every context–indoors; outside in rain, snow, heat, or cold; and underwater.

 

Key features include: 

• A focus on digital photography–the first book on the topic with this emphasis.
• Thorough discussion of the importance of accuracy, visual storytelling, and practices and protocols for evidence documentation.
• Step-by-step outlines for generally accepted best practices.
• Inclusive lists of necessary hardware for project success.
• Numerous photo examples.
• Real-life case studies illustrating the steps taken to photographically document evidence.
• Comprehensive glossary of all technical terms.
• A book specific Companion Website with review material, additional photo examples, and links to photography-related websites(www.prenhall.com/weiss).

“This book is highly technical, divided into subsections for easy reference, and covers the A to Z of the fields of photography and forensics.”

                                    –Russell A. Rohde, M.D., F.A.C.P., West Covina, CA.

About the Author

Sanford L. Weiss, BCEP, CI, PI is an Evidence Photographer’s International Council Board Certified Evidence Photographer, a Competitive Intelligence Specialist, and an Illinois State licensed Private Detective (#115-001807). He works for Packer Engineering, Inc. in Naperville, IL, for whom he has documented artifacts and scenes of hundreds of investigations and vision studies over the last 26 years. His work experience includes 17 years in management of the Packer photographic laboratory.

 

Mr. Weiss has a B.S. degree in management from National Louis University. He holds an Illinois State Teaching Certification for Photography and has been teaching for over 27 years. His teaching experience includes seminars for Northwestern University, University of Southern California, Chicago State University, and currently, the University of California, Davis. He has also taught for the National Transportation Board, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security.

 

He is regularly published in the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI) Newsletter and has published articles on both Competitive Intelligence and Photography, published in international periodicals including Evidence Technology Magazine.

 

He received the R.C. Hakanson, Evidence Photographer of the Year Award from EPIC in 2003, the Nikon Evidence Photographer of the Year Award in 2005, and the Nikon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131582860
• ISBN-13: 978-0131582866
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "At Best, Accuracy Leads to Fair and Accurate Representation", June 10, 2008

By 

Russell A. Rohde MD "Owl" (West Covina, California USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Forensic Photography: Importance of Accuracy (Hardcover)

"Forensic Photography: The Importance of Accuracy", Sanford L. Weiss, NJ, Pearson Education, Inc. (Prentice Hall), 2009 ISBN: 13: 978-0-13-158286-6, HC 503 pgs. plus Contents, 14 pgs., Ref., 7 pgs., Glossary 23 pgs., Index 11 pgs., and numerous B/W photographs. 10 ¼" x 8 ¼".

Author Sanford Weiss is an experienced forensics investigator & photographer with impressive credentials and decades of `on the job' investigatory work as photographer/investigator. He is a prolific writer of technical articles and a recipient of prestigious awards in evidence photography. This book should serve to be a reference and teaching guide for those interested in forensic photography, whether an individual, department or used in a teaching institute. Not available for review at this time is information of the book-specific "Companion Website" with review material, additional photo examples and Supplements which are believed to include Instructor's Manual and PowerPoint and access to color photos! NFD.

"Forensic Photography" was a monumental undertaking for one man, but this strengthens the very substance of a book which is highly technical, divided into subsections for easy reference, and covers the A to Z of the fields of photography and forensics. In 17 chapters the entirety of the field is nicely covered with discussion of photography essentials in forensics; digital & conventional camera types; divers ancillary equipment and lighting methodologies; macro, video, 3-D & underwater imaging techniques; plus the photography of fires, accidents & crime scenes in addition to courtroom testimony.

The author embedded a number of excellent case synopses involving crane, bus, train, truck, car, & airplanes including TWA 800, etc. The text has numerous B/W photographs and referenced diagrams to complement the text. For clarity and consistency a comprehensive glossary of terminologies is provided. Throughout, the theme of fair and accurate representation is stressed - for in forensic photography, photographic charm is meaningless, only the Truth in imaging reigns, and here... beauty IS the truth in imaging.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Forensics Book, July 8, 2008

By 

James Brown (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensic Photography: Importance of Accuracy (Hardcover)

As a Forensics Photographer, I have nothing but praise for Sandy and this book. It's very well written and covers just about everything someone would need to know to make it in this profession. I highly recommend this book to anyone already in Forensics, or looking to get into it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most thorough Forensic Photography book available! Instant Hit!, June 17, 2008

By 

Evidence Video (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensic Photography: Importance of Accuracy (Hardcover)

The thoroughness begins with the cover, straight and to the point. This is forensics. This is photography. No way to confuse the topic. I've spent years looking for that one (1) book that could teach me Forensic Photography in its entirety. I've now found it. No need to read any of the other books available, and frankly none are with as much focus, direction and knowledge shared as this book by Mr Weiss. His insight into what a student really needs to learn is most impressive! The books approach and style are second to none. The book is written by one man, but it seems like the reader is gaining an entire degree, from many professors with many years of experience. No reason to ever waste money on another book of the same subject. This is well worth the investment and more importantly its' return of investment is already paying off! Thank you to the Author! Thank you Sanford Weiss for penning this book and sharing your wisdom. An instant hit in my opinion!