Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

kula23 · **Forensic Photography -** 03-22-2010, 12:18 PM

Had anyone career in Forensic Photography? I would like to know if it is possible that I can work in that filed that I am deaf/half blind? If it is possible, what classes I really need to take in college? Let me know and this could help me more. Thanks!

Tom · 03-22-2010, 12:20 PM

MyKey used to do that. Contact him.

dbphotos · 03-22-2010, 12:44 PM

Forensic photography is generally one of the many duties of a Crime Scene Tech/Investigator. To be a full time photographer you would probably have to work for a federal agency or a very large local/state agency. If you are wanting to work for a local agency I would recommend getting trained in forensics. I know UNT has a very well respected forensics program and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) offers alot of training, including a specific course in forensic photography. I don't believe you have to be in law enforcement to take that course but you do have to pass a background and I'm not sure of the cost for non LE.

Good luck.

And, yes check with MyKey for more information on the job.

kula23 · 03-22-2010, 12:50 PM

Thanks, guys I will check with MyKey. Whew that is good thing I don't have to be police officer to get my way up. Thanks again. If you happen ot know which school have it that you could list or not if anyone know if I don't get respond from Mykey. I live in Lubbock, TX. Not sure if they do offer for online classes for it? I get stories from people saying that online school is ripped off....

Steelsun · 03-22-2010, 01:12 PM

Any degree/certification you get in Forensics from an online "university" will only be worth the paper it is printed on. It's a very hands on kind of job and requires all kinds of practical experience and training, not something that can be taught competently over the internet.

bondarnes · 03-22-2010, 01:20 PM

EPIC School 2009, Phoenix, Arizona

This is a professional group affiliated with PPA. Their annual convention is held each year at Imaging USA. I have sat in on some of the classes. However, I don't think this is for you.

Triana · 03-22-2010, 02:11 PM

The University of Florida actually has a very reputable online forensics program for a master's degree. You have to travel to Florida for your last finals to graduate, however. I know several people in the profession who got their degree from there.

But no, you don't have to be a police officer to be a photographer for a crime lab. Nor do I believe you need a degree in forensics, the lab where I know people employs a full time photographer that did not have even any science training, let alone crime scene investigation training. Also, that is a very tough field psychologically. You would need to be prepared to see the worst of humanity.

And obviously MyKey will have better information than all of us.

Rson · 03-22-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsun

Any degree/certification you get in Forensics from an online "university" will only be worth the paper it is printed on. It's a very hands on kind of job and requires all kinds of practical experience and training, not something that can be taught competently over the internet.

+1

to add, any place where you can clean, teeth, drive trucks or learn CSI skills fall into this category.

toverman · 03-22-2010, 03:33 PM

Don said it before I did, but my first thought – not even knowing much about forensic photography specifically – is that to be effective one has to have a keenly trained eye that won't leave anything undocumented. I surely appreciate the enthusiasm you seem to bring to everything, but my gut tells me this isn't for you, either. Become trained, but who is going to hire someone who has an admitted disadvantage in eyesight? Too much of a liability.

If pursuing a profession in photography is your passion, there are other areas where I bet you would shine brightly.

kula23 · 03-23-2010, 10:06 AM

I understand. That is major problem. People tell me that I can't do this, this this this. It's irrated me. And it bring my positive thoughts go down with it. I have been passion my photography for many years and not once person would give me a chance no matter how hard I tried. I have wanted to be a wedding photographer but people tell me on here telling me that it's not good idea because it's risky to lose the precious moment for bride/groom. I don't believe you have to be 20/20 to have best vision to be a photographer. My eye doctor saw my work and he said it's amazing how much I can do this so well that he never thought I can. He said no one can see what I can see. It's even harder when it come to career. I have majored in Accountant Specialist, got degree in it but for two years, I looked for the position, bam nothing happened. They all said I have to talk well on phone. Then I tried for mail place but you have to be fast and be able to see small print which I can't. I can't get a career that will be stable. It's hard being deaf/half blind. My life isn't easy. I don't understand why no one willing to give me a chance. And even not allow me to do my passion in photography. I did had like 30 clients that I brought plane ticket to fly their town, all of sudden they all bailed me out. It cost me money. The real reason why they bailed is cuz of my vision.

Here is my link and tell me if I am really good nor not cuz sometimes I don't think I am. I am not trying to be a negative person but it had been going on for way too long.

BLIND IMAGES . PHOTOGRAPHY

toverman · 03-23-2010, 10:37 AM

Kelly, your images are fantastic. My point wasn't to discourage you ... one of my goals in participating in the forum is to only encourage and be helpful (I've failed on this several times, but I try).

It's hard to make a living as an artist, but your "vision" being unique in seeing the world like nobody else, art seems like a more logical direction. Forensic photography isn't about art. There might be challenges, but I'm not saying you couldn't do the job ... I think you could. When a criminal case is on the line, though, is someone going to take that chance? That's the rub.

If you enjoy photographing weddings, photograph weddings. If you enjoy shooting portraits, shoot portraits. If you want to pursue forensic photography, tell me to stick it and do an excellent job of proving me wrong.

Hanky · 03-23-2010, 05:32 PM

Kelly, There are no barriers you can't overcome however have you thought it through just how gruesome a job that can be? You will carry these images with you the rest of
your life.

Triana · 03-23-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toverman

Forensic photography isn't about art.

I think your images are wonderful. But I want to emphasize the above. Forensic photography is technical and precise. It's actually the opposite of art and if you try to get artsy with it at all you'll only irritate the investigators. I think you have a wonderful eye and create very interesting images. I'm not discouraging you from forensic photography if that's what you want to do, but if you want to stick to your art, then forensic photography is not the way to go.

And yes, the images are gruesome. You would be photographing scenes that represent the worst of humanity. It's a hard thing to bear (though I'm grateful to those who do the work).

SJHester · 03-23-2010, 10:00 PM

Kelly,

I dont know much about forensic photography (except what i see on CSI). But i am fully sighted and wish my images were half as good as yours. Keep the faith, you will find a job in photography.

Steelsun · 03-23-2010, 10:57 PM

I gotta agree with the above people: You do great work, but it's live people and art, not forensics, which is a whole new ball of wax.

Plus I seriously doubt you will find any law enforcement agency or scene lab willing to hire you for work at the scenes of a crime solely because of your hearing disability. The dangers (and insurance rates) are just to large for them - you have to be aware of all your surroundings - listen for warnings, be aware of potential gas leaks, creaking floors/ceilings, etc.
I am about 40% hearing impaired (with tinnitus that is nearly debilitating sometimes), and I have a very difficult time doing some of my Investigative Photography assignments (I am a licensed Private Investigator - so I do alot of post event photography, even spent 3 weeks in NOLA after Katrina doing security & safety photos of government properties there). I know I would not be able to work for the Federal Government as a direct employee doing that stuff, and local agencies are even worse.

Keep up the good work on what you are doing and aim in those areas.