Since most laboratory photography is made with steady burning lights (quartz lamps, photoflood lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc.) it is relatively easy to choose the best lighting method for photographing a specific item of evidence. All you need to do is try different lighting methods while looking in the camera's viewfinder, and select the method that gives the best results. The following lighting methods are effective for photographing various evidence subjects.

45-degree lighting

45-degree lighting uses one or more lights positioned at 45-degree angles. If only one light is used, a white or silver reflector can be placed on the opposite side of the evidence to reflect some of the light back toward the evidence, reducing shadows.

45-degree lighting is used for photographing the average item of evidence where the objective is to show the item's shape and size.

Direct reflective lighting

In direct reflective lighting the light is reflected directly off the subject into the lens. This is done by placing the subject at a 10-degree angle from the lens to film plane and placing the light source at a 10-degree angle from the subject. The light source reflects at a 20-degree angle into the lens.

Direct reflective lighting is used to minimize shadows within the evidence. However, this method creates very high contrast and does not show the dimensional shape or texture of the evidence. Also, the light source may need to be diffused to prevent hot spots.

Oblique lighting

Oblique lighting uses a light source positioned at a low angle. Oblique lighting is usually used to show detail by creating shadows on the surface of the evidence.

Oblique lighting is commonly used when photographing impressions, tool marks and certain types of fingerprints. A very low oblique angle of lighting can be used to photograph dusty footwear impressions and indented writing.

Bounce lighting

Bounce lighting uses light bounced off a white or reflective surface. The bounce surface may be positioned at different locations (above or to one side of the subject) to create the desired effect. This usually produces even non-glare lighting with low contrast.

Diffused lighting

Diffused lighting uses an opaque material placed between the light source and the subject to soften the light. This usually results in even lighting with reduced reflections and hot spots. The opaque material can be as simple as a section of a white bed sheet or an empty water bottle, or can be a commercial device designed for laboratory photography.

Diffused lighting is usually used for photographing evidence with shiny or reflective surfaces.

Transmitted lighting

Transmitted lighting uses light that shines through the evidence toward the camera's lens. The background becomes shadow-free. The angle of the transmitted lighting can be adjusted from 90-degrees to 45-degrees for the desired effect.

Transmitted lighting is used for photographing transparent or translucent subjects. It is effective in photographing evidence such as a fingerprint on a drinking glass.

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The information presented in this article is from the book Crime Scene and Evidence Photography, 2nd Edition © 2014 by Steven Staggs