I have reviewed hour upon hour of night video scenes, or numerous photos of incident sites taken at night, provided by case investigators, for example, without finding any scenes or photos usable as evidentiary graphics. That wasted time would have been eliminated if there was communication between the photographer and the expert. This problem often begins with the client who doesn't understand the importance of setting objectives for photographs and videos. For the past few years, I have made a concerted effort to have my clients understand this, and it has helped to some degree.
So it is important for the photographer/videographer to know just what is going to be done with the finished product. That will make the expert's work easier, reduce the cost to the client attorney, and bring all members of the defense or plaintiff team together, rather than working as separate entities. The next point in this discussion details just how the photo and/or video frame is used in the construction of the forensic exhibit.
Creating the Forensic Exhibit
There are several ways to develop the exhibit. Regardless of whether you are contracted by an expert or you are the one who will present the data, information to be presented must be done in a simple, easy-to-understand format. Always keep in mind that it is easier to present an exhibit that goes from point A to point B to point C, and the simpler the exhibit is (while meeting the information objective), the better it is for your client and you. A good video exhibit, for example, that lasts for two or three minutes, can replace one or two hours of testimony, and is usually extremely effective in reaching your client's goal. It is also important to remember that most people are accustomed to watching video or viewing photographs, so the impact you want to make generally has a receptive audience.
This paper is based upon the concept that the photographer/videographer is using computers in his or her work, an assumption much more viable today than just one or two years ago. The work I will be talking about uses a PC, but of course Mac and other equipment are well suited to much of what can be done. I have been using PCs to produce court-related work for about ten years, and even though that platform was not considered the best, available software made it possible to do very acceptable and effective work. The point is, you do not have to have the most expensive and "best" (whatever that is) equipment. A little ingenuity, a modicum of artistic ability, patience, and an understanding of what you want to accomplish will take you a long way. [to be continued]