Customer Reviews

Photoshop CS3 for Forensics Professionals: A Complete Digital Imaging Course for Investigators

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I bought this book recently to add to my library of image processing books. I have been "in the field" for almost ten years now and am always excited to learn new skills. This book will benefit the person just getting into the field as well as the seasoned pro.

The author, George Reis from Imaging Forensics, walks you through many processes using several different image processing techniques. There are side by side comparisons of tools native in Photoshop as well as third party applications.

Also of great importance is the discussion of best practices as well as court room preparation. In addition there is a companion CD included with the book that has some trial software and some very useful scripts.

The price isn't too bad and this book will help out Photoshop users of all levels. I am very happy with the book and am glad I bought it. I rate it a must have for anyone interested in forensic imaging using Photoshop.

George Reis has done a fabulous job in the writing of this book. I recently purchased this book and found it not only informative, but easy to read (a far cry from the normal techie manual). This book is a must have for anyone using Adobe Photoshop for image analysis or forensic video analysis. I especially appreciated George's references to CS2 and the changes/improvements with CS3. Thanks for not throwing all of us who are too poor to upgrade to the curb!

I would list this as a "must have" in your forensic library. George has done a great job at breaking down image processing using PhotoShop CS3 (and other plug-ins) for the type of work we do. He has provided a bunch of useful techniques/processes. The companion CD which comes with the book allows you to reinforce the teaching points with hands on practical exercises. Lots of bang for your buck.

George Reis has written the ultimate guide for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of Forensic Imaging using Adobe Photoshop. It is easy to read and understand. Like George's training class, it is filled with the latest information on Best Practices, Testimony, Proper Settings and how to use Adobe's powerfull program Photoshop CS3 for Forensics. There is plenty here for the experienced professional as well as anyone looking to get started with Forensic Imaging.

Part 1, "The Essentials", is comprised of six chapters. The first two chapters are not specific to Photoshop, and are a must read for anyone interested or involved in the use of digital images within a legal setting. The remaining four chapters provide an important foundation for analysts and investigators using Photoshop.

Part 2, "The Digital Darkroom", and Part 3, "Image Analysis and Enhancement", are detailed instructions regarding Photoshop's settings, filters, and the multitude of related processes to achieve optimum imaging results. Included with the book is a CD-ROM contianing sample images to work with when going through the tutorials, as well as some free scripts and trial plugin's.

I've been using Photoshop for several years now in my Forensic Video workflow, as well as personally for Graphic and Web design projects. This book has already proven to be the single most valuable reference for me pertaining to the use of Photoshop in either setting. It's also probably the smartest investment I've made in quite some time.

Two points that are important in assessing this book: 1) while it specifically identifies Photoshop CS3, nearly all the techniques described can be used in all versions from CS2 onward, and 2) while sub-titled "A Complete Digital Imaging Course for Investigators", it is more of an introductory course and a very good one.

This book is primarily oriented toward law enforcement personnel, i.e., "police officers, fingerprint examiners, crime scene investigators, forensic video analysts, photographers, and imaging specialists". But attorneys, forensic specialists and others, including photography hobbyists, may find the book helpful.

Reis spends a few pages (16) on the basics of forensic evidence preservation, rules of evidence, presentation of evidence and testimony. This section barely escapes classification as superfluous for all except the rank newcomer.

The balance of the book is given over to using Photoshop as a forensics tool and it is truly a superb introduction to the subject.

Beginning with establishing workflow and preparing the Photoshop workspace, Reis walks the neophyte or minimally experienced user through the basics of using Photoshop for forensic purposes where every action must be logged in detail and reproducible.

He then moves into techniques with specific uses in forensic examination, enhancement and analysis of photographs (and to a very limited degree, video). Reis is a terrific teacher. His style is clear and highly readable. While he actually doesn't get into ultra-sophisticated forensic analysis, what he provides is more than adequate for day to day use.

Overall, while I am not in law enforcement, I am a computer forensics specialist who gets involved in certain aspects of photo and video analysis, and I think Reis's book should be essential reading for anyone in these or related fields.

Jerry

Having used several different "help" books written for different versions of Photoshop and found them tragically lacking in any help for forensic applications, I was thrilled to death when I found out George Reis had written this book! The day of (or perhaps as late as the day after), we promptly bought two copies for our lab and one for the lab director's personal library. Naturally, all three immediately went missing. No intent to permanently deprive, I'm sure. Two have been recovered (we are pretty good investigators after all), but the third remains MIA for now. As such I recently purchased yet another copy, to be chained to my desk and never to be loaned out. Sadly this book is not available new from the publisher anymore so if you think you want it, tell the publisher to make more! Right now! Do it!

As for the book, it is awesome (hence the four copies to date). Extremely well written with real-world examples for all sorts of forensic applications (from latents to photo imaging to video to shoe prints and ballistic disciplines, everyone has something to love here). If you look at little bitty things or blurry things and testify about those little bitty or blurry things, you need this book!

I say that it is also good for non-forensic people also because a lot of what he describes can and is easily translated into off-duty applications. Want that photo of your daughter blowing out her birthday candles to have a little more clarity? Get this book. Want a better picture of Fido mugging for his fur mom? Get the book.

George Reis not only explains what to do, but why. And he does it in English, not tech-speak, so even an idiot like me can get it. This copy is not leaving my sight. Ever.

As a former Forensic Video Analyst for a law enforcement agency, I can attest that not only is this the most thorough and easy to understand FVA "Course" book that I have ever read and gained the most from, the author is one of the top Forensic Video Analysts in the country, and even the world.
Any one who is interested in this profession, law enforcement and private, must have this book. Even if you already are an FVA professional, this book is an excellant reference source.

Great resource! Is there another in the offing?

This book both improved my workflow and my abilities to enhance images. The pratical exercises hit home the finer points.

I would compare this book to a "Forensic Photoshop" course costing much more, well done!

Thanks to books like this and Amazon, I am now a Criminalist without being broke.