SCI 220 (forensic photography and
reconstruction) GCU exam 2 Questions with
Complete Solutions
Course
SCI220
1. Question:
What is the primary purpose of forensic photography at a crime scene?
Solution:
Forensic photography is used to document the crime scene accurately and preserve evidence
for further analysis and court proceedings. It provides a visual record that helps investigators
reconstruct events and supports testimony in legal cases.
2. Question:
Which type of lighting is most effective for capturing latent fingerprints using forensic
photography?
Solution:
Oblique (side) lighting is most effective for revealing latent fingerprints, especially when using
alternative light sources (ALS) or UV light to enhance ridge details.
3. Question:
What is the proper sequence for photographing a crime scene?
Solution:
1. Overall shots – Capture wide-angle views of the entire crime scene.
2. Mid-range shots – Show relationships between objects and evidence.
3. Close-up shots – Provide detailed images of individual pieces of evidence, with and
without scale.
4. Question:
,Which camera setting is most important for ensuring sharp forensic images?
Solution:
A small aperture (high f-stop, e.g., f/8 to f/16) ensures a greater depth of field, keeping both
foreground and background in focus. This is critical in forensic photography to capture all
necessary details.
5. Question:
What is the purpose of using a forensic photogrammetry technique?
Solution:
Forensic photogrammetry involves measuring distances and reconstructing 3D models from
2D photographs. It is used to determine bullet trajectories, vehicle crash dynamics, and other
spatial relationships in crime scene reconstruction.
6. Question:
Which type of lens is best for photographing small evidence, such as bloodstains or tool marks?
Solution:
A macro lens is best for capturing small evidence in high detail, ensuring clarity and proper
magnification of small forensic elements.
7. Question:
Why is it important to include a scale when taking close-up forensic photographs?
Solution:
A scale allows for accurate size comparison and measurement of evidence, ensuring that
dimensions are documented correctly for forensic analysis.
8. Question:
,What is the best forensic photography technique for capturing shoe impressions on a dark
surface?
Solution:
Using oblique lighting and low-angle flash helps create shadows that enhance the visibility of
impressions. Alternate light sources (ALS) may also be used for better contrast.
9. Question:
Which file format is preferred for forensic photography to maintain image integrity?
Solution:
RAW format is preferred because it preserves all image data without compression, ensuring
authenticity and allowing for better post-processing if needed.
10. Question:
How does forensic photography contribute to bloodstain pattern analysis?
Solution:
Forensic photography helps document the shape, size, and distribution of bloodstains, which
can be used to determine the angle of impact, directionality, and possible weapon used in a
crime.
11. Question:
What type of photographic scale is commonly used for documenting bite marks and injuries?
Solution:
The ABFO No. 2 scale (American Board of Forensic Odontology) is specifically designed for
bite marks and injury photography, ensuring accurate size and color reference.
12. Question:
Which type of crime scene photograph provides context by showing the relative position of
evidence in relation to the surrounding area?
, Solution:
Mid-range photographs provide context by showing the spatial relationship between
evidence and other elements of the crime scene.
13. Question:
What is the purpose of infrared photography in forensic investigations?
Solution:
Infrared photography is used to detect bloodstains on dark fabrics, gunshot residue, and
alterations in documents that are not visible to the naked eye.
14. Question:
How can forensic photographers avoid distortion when taking close-up photographs of evidence?
Solution:
To avoid distortion:
1. Position the camera directly perpendicular to the evidence.
2. Use a tripod to stabilize the shot.
3. Ensure proper lighting and focus.
15. Question:
What is the best camera setting to capture high-detail forensic images in low-light conditions?
Solution:
Use a high ISO setting (e.g., ISO 800-1600), a wide aperture (low f-stop like f/2.8), and a
slow shutter speed, along with a tripod to prevent blur.
16. Question:
Why is ultraviolet (UV) photography useful in forensic investigations?
Solution:
reconstruction) GCU exam 2 Questions with
Complete Solutions
Course
SCI220
1. Question:
What is the primary purpose of forensic photography at a crime scene?
Solution:
Forensic photography is used to document the crime scene accurately and preserve evidence
for further analysis and court proceedings. It provides a visual record that helps investigators
reconstruct events and supports testimony in legal cases.
2. Question:
Which type of lighting is most effective for capturing latent fingerprints using forensic
photography?
Solution:
Oblique (side) lighting is most effective for revealing latent fingerprints, especially when using
alternative light sources (ALS) or UV light to enhance ridge details.
3. Question:
What is the proper sequence for photographing a crime scene?
Solution:
1. Overall shots – Capture wide-angle views of the entire crime scene.
2. Mid-range shots – Show relationships between objects and evidence.
3. Close-up shots – Provide detailed images of individual pieces of evidence, with and
without scale.
4. Question:
,Which camera setting is most important for ensuring sharp forensic images?
Solution:
A small aperture (high f-stop, e.g., f/8 to f/16) ensures a greater depth of field, keeping both
foreground and background in focus. This is critical in forensic photography to capture all
necessary details.
5. Question:
What is the purpose of using a forensic photogrammetry technique?
Solution:
Forensic photogrammetry involves measuring distances and reconstructing 3D models from
2D photographs. It is used to determine bullet trajectories, vehicle crash dynamics, and other
spatial relationships in crime scene reconstruction.
6. Question:
Which type of lens is best for photographing small evidence, such as bloodstains or tool marks?
Solution:
A macro lens is best for capturing small evidence in high detail, ensuring clarity and proper
magnification of small forensic elements.
7. Question:
Why is it important to include a scale when taking close-up forensic photographs?
Solution:
A scale allows for accurate size comparison and measurement of evidence, ensuring that
dimensions are documented correctly for forensic analysis.
8. Question:
,What is the best forensic photography technique for capturing shoe impressions on a dark
surface?
Solution:
Using oblique lighting and low-angle flash helps create shadows that enhance the visibility of
impressions. Alternate light sources (ALS) may also be used for better contrast.
9. Question:
Which file format is preferred for forensic photography to maintain image integrity?
Solution:
RAW format is preferred because it preserves all image data without compression, ensuring
authenticity and allowing for better post-processing if needed.
10. Question:
How does forensic photography contribute to bloodstain pattern analysis?
Solution:
Forensic photography helps document the shape, size, and distribution of bloodstains, which
can be used to determine the angle of impact, directionality, and possible weapon used in a
crime.
11. Question:
What type of photographic scale is commonly used for documenting bite marks and injuries?
Solution:
The ABFO No. 2 scale (American Board of Forensic Odontology) is specifically designed for
bite marks and injury photography, ensuring accurate size and color reference.
12. Question:
Which type of crime scene photograph provides context by showing the relative position of
evidence in relation to the surrounding area?
, Solution:
Mid-range photographs provide context by showing the spatial relationship between
evidence and other elements of the crime scene.
13. Question:
What is the purpose of infrared photography in forensic investigations?
Solution:
Infrared photography is used to detect bloodstains on dark fabrics, gunshot residue, and
alterations in documents that are not visible to the naked eye.
14. Question:
How can forensic photographers avoid distortion when taking close-up photographs of evidence?
Solution:
To avoid distortion:
1. Position the camera directly perpendicular to the evidence.
2. Use a tripod to stabilize the shot.
3. Ensure proper lighting and focus.
15. Question:
What is the best camera setting to capture high-detail forensic images in low-light conditions?
Solution:
Use a high ISO setting (e.g., ISO 800-1600), a wide aperture (low f-stop like f/2.8), and a
slow shutter speed, along with a tripod to prevent blur.
16. Question:
Why is ultraviolet (UV) photography useful in forensic investigations?
Solution:
