OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

1 

OSAC 2023-S-0006 

Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, 

Marks, and Tattoos 

Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis Subcommittee 

Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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OSAC Proposed Standard 

OSAC 2023-S-0006 

Standard Guide for Photographing 

Scars, Marks, and Tattoos

Prepared by 

Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis Subcommittee 

Version: 2.0 

July 2023 

Disclaimer: 

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the [insert subcommittee or other unit name] of the 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science following a process that 

includes an open comment period. This Proposed Standard will be submitted to a standards developing 

organization and is subject to change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under development by 

OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts and methodologies, may be 

used by the forensic-science community before the completion of such companion publications. 

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed Standard is not a 

recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply that the equipment, 

instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose. 

To be placed on the OSAC Registry, certain types of standards first must be reviewed by a Scientific and 

Technical Review (STR). The STR process is vital to OSAC’s mission of generating and recognizing 

scientifically sound standards for producing and interpreting forensic science results. The STR shall 

provide critical and knowledgeable reviews of draft standards or of proposed revisions of standards 

previously published by standards developing organizations (SDOs) to ensure that the published methods 

that practitioners employ are scientifically valid, and the resulting claims are trustworthy. 

The STR panel will consist of an independent and diverse panel, including subject matter experts, human 

factors scientists, quality assurance personnel, and legal experts, which will be tasked with evaluating the 

proposed standard based on a comprehensive list of science-based criteria. 

For more information about this important process, please visit our website 

at: https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/scientifictechnical-review-panels 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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Standard Guide for Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

1. Scope

1.1 This guide outlines best practices for photographing scars, marks, and tattoos on living or 

deceased persons to achieve high quality images and optimize image database searches and 

manual comparisons. 

1.2 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, 

training, and experience, and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by 

individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 

with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, 

health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations 

prior to use. 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:

2.1.1 E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science 

2.1.2 E2916 Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination 

2.2 FISWG Documents: 

2.2.1 FISWG - Glossary - Version 2.0 - 2019.10.25 

2.3 OSAC Documents: 

2.3.1 OSAC 2021-S-0027, Standard Guide for Laboratory Photography 

2.3.2 OSAC 2021-2-0013, Standard Guide for Post Mortem Examination Photography 

2.4 SWGDE Documents:

2.4.1 SWGDE Lighting Techniques in Forensic Photography 

2.5 NIST Documents:

2.5.1 NIST IR 8109 Tattoo Recognition Technology – Best Practices (Tatt-BP) 

Guidelines for Tattoo Image Collection Revision 1.0 

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions - for definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology for 

Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination E2916. 

4. Summary of Practice

4.1 Universal Precautions 

4.2 Suggested Equipment 

4.3 Camera Settings 

4.4 General Considerations 

4.5 Scars 

4.6 Marks 

4.7 Tattoos 

4.8 Special Techniques 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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5. Significance and Use

5.1 This guide is intended to increase the quality and consistency of photographs captured of 

scars, marks, and tattoos in order to optimize all end use cases, including manual comparisons 

and image database searches. 

5.2 This guide provides photography guidelines to better allow organizations to develop 

training programs and in-practice protocols. 

5.3 This guide is not intended to address all potential conditions, nor does it supersede 

requirements of accrediting or certifying bodies. 

6. Universal Precautions for Health and Safety

6.1 Universal precautions is an approach to infection control in which all human blood and 

certain human body fluids are treated as if they are known to be infectious. 

6.2 Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and gowns to 

prevent coming into contact with blood and other bodily fluids. 

6.3 UV eye protection and protective clothing that covers skin should be worn when using 

UV light sources. 

7. Suggested Equipment

7.1 Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (MILC) 

7.2 Lenses 

7.2.1 Wide Angle 

7.2.2 Normal 

7.2.3 Macro 

7.2.4 Or a zoom lens capable of wide angle to normal and macro 

7.2.5 Quartz (for reflective UV photography) 

7.3 Lens Filters 

7.3.1 Circular Polarizer 

7.3.2 Ultraviolet 

7.3.3 Infrared 

7.4 Lens cloth 

7.5 Storage media cards 

7.6 Batteries 

7.7 Light Sources 

7.7.1 External flash unit 

7.7.2 Ring flash 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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7.7.3 Infrared (IR) emitting (~750nm) 

7.7.4 Ultraviolet (UV) emitting (between 300nm and 365nm) 

7.8 Flash diffuser 

7.9 Off-camera flash sync cord, or wireless trigger 

7.10 Polarizing filters/gels for light sources 

7.11 Various Forensic scales that have been previously checked against a known standard for 

accuracy (e.g. L-shaped, and straight edged, ABFO no.2); a scale that utilizes millimeters is 

recommended. 

7.12 Tripod or stabilizing device 

7.13 Cloths / towels / drapes 

7.14 Step stool/ ladder 

7.15 Neutral background material 

7.16 Color reference target for setting white balance 

8. Camera Settings

8.1 Set the correct date and time. 

8.2 Format memory card. 

8.3 Select an image format that allows for the highest resolution and least compression 

available, (i.e. Uncompressed RAW, TIFF, or highest quality JPEG available). 

8.4 Use Manual exposure mode. 

8.5 Camera settings such as focal length, aperture, and subject-to-camera distance should be 

considered to minimize distortion and control depth of field. 

8.6 Use of an external flash in through-the-lens (TTL) mode is recommended. Alternatively, 

a ring flash should also be considered for even lighting, especially when photographing with a 

macro lens. 

8.6.1 When using a flash, ensure the shutter speed is synced with the flash. 

8.7 If not using a tripod or stabilizing device, use a shutter speed that minimizes image blur 

caused by camera movement (1/focal length or faster). 

8.8 Set the White Balance to match the predominant light source, or use custom White 

Balance. 

8.9 Use an ISO setting that minimizes artifacts from noise. 

9. General Considerations

9.1 Follow agency guidelines on the inclusion of case identifying information and camera 

settings and equipment used in the photographs or bench notes. 

9.2 The camera lens should be perpendicular to the area of interest being photographed. This 

is critical when using a scale. 
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Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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9.3 The focus mode of the camera should be single point focusing, so that the focal point is a 

deliberate choice and placed on the area of interest. This is especially important in close-up 

photography, where the depth of field is limited. 

9.4 If using an external flash, consider using it off-camera to direct the flash by hand at an 

angle to reduce glare or hotspots, control shadows, and accentuate texture as needed. 

9.4.1 Avoid lighting with harsh shadows. A diffuser in front of the light may aid in 

reducing shadows. 

9.5 A living subject’s dignity shall be a primary consideration. If the subject will be disrobed 

or photographs are to be captured of areas of interest that would require exposing sensitive areas, 

they shall be draped in a professional manner or the identity of the subject at this stage should be 

shrouded. 

9.6 An orientation photograph should be captured of the area of interest in reference to a 

physical structure or “landmark” on the body to establish its location. It should be captured with 

as wide a view as practical without showing any distracting elements in the background. If 

distracting elements cannot be avoided, consider placing a white sheet or other neutral 

background behind the subject. An additional close-up photograph should be captured filling the 

frame with the area of interest. 

9.7 If the area of interest is large in size and its location is apparent in a close-up photograph, 

an orientation photograph may be unnecessary. 

9.8 If the size of an area of interest is relevant and a scale is to be used, capture an orientation 

photograph, a close-up photograph without the scale, and an additional close-up photograph with 

the scale. 

9.8.1 Place the scale on the same plane as the area of interest and photograph the scale 

and feature as perpendicularly as possible to obtain the most accurate image for any future 

measurements. 

9.8.2 If the area of interest is on a contoured surface, reposition the scale and rephotograph as necessary along the contour. Maximizing depth of field should be a primary 

consideration as well. 

9.8.3 For close-up photographs, the scale should be placed on the edge of the 

photograph and not fill any more of the frame than is necessary. 

9.8.4 The scale should be oriented along the long edge of the photograph whenever 

possible. 

10. Scars

10.1 Refers to dysmorphic or discolored areas or both of skin where permanent damage has 

healed (FISWG - Glossary - Version 2.0 - 2019.10.25) 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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10.2 When capturing close-up photographs of scars and enhancing texture is beneficial, using 

an off-camera flash at an oblique angle to the scar is recommended. 

10.3 The use of Reflective Ultraviolet imaging may enhance detail not apparent in the visible 

spectrum. (See section 13.2) 

11. Marks

11.1 Refers to portions of the skin that contain a different level of pigment than the rest of the 

surrounding skin. (FISWG - Glossary - Version 2.0 - 2019.10.25) These could be birthmarks, 

moles, freckles, piercings, etc.

11.1.1 Marks could also refer to external injuries of the body (e.g. bruises, lacerations, 

abrasions, etc.) 

11.2 Any suspected pattern injury or possible “tool mark” on the body should be photographed 

with an ABFO no.2, or other L-shaped scale.

11.3 Due to the highly varied nature of marks, various photographic and lighting techniques 

should be considered. 

11.3.1 The first approach should be to avoid lighting with harsh shadows, introducing a 

diffuser if necessary. 

11.3.2 If the texture of the mark is an important component, consider using an offcamera flash at an oblique angle to accentuate it. 

11.3.3 If the mark is hard to discern or somehow obscured, consider the use of any or all 

of the specialized techniques in section 13 to enhance detail not apparent in the visible spectrum. 

12. Tattoos 

12.1 Refers to a form of body modification made by ink, dyes, or pigments placed either 

temporarily onto the skin, or permanently into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. 

12.2 When capturing photographs of tattoos, avoid lighting with harsh shadows. If necessary, 

consider the use of a diffuser. 

12.3 If the tattoo is faded or hard to discern, consider using polarization to increase the 

saturation and contrast of the image, as well as decrease light reflection off the skin. (See Section 

13.3) 

12.4 If the tattoo is obscured by darker skin tones, mummification, decomposition, or other 

factors, consider using Near Infrared photography to enhance detail not apparent in the visible 

spectrum (See Section 13.1) 

12.5 The same tattoo photographed using different wavelengths of lights (i.e. visible, NIR, 

UV) can appear drastically different, which may affect the results of an image database search. 
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Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos 

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13. Special Techniques

13.1 Near Infrared (NIR) 

13.1.1 This technique requires a camera that is sensitive to IR energy in conjunction with 

an IR emitting light source to enhance detail in the area of interest not apparent in the visible 

spectrum. This technique works especially well to capture details below the skin such as bruises, 

bite marks and scarring. 

13.1.1.1 Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting. 

13.1.1.2 Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy device and compose the photograph 

of the area to be documented. 

13.1.1.3 Use a light source with significant output in the IR spectrum; examples include 

external flash unit, tungsten or halogen bulbs) 

13.1.1.4 Check focus and adjust as needed. A camera with live view will aid in checking 

focus, as IR filters block visible light. 

13.1.1.5 Use a filter designed to transmit IR radiation while blocking visible light. 

13.1.1.6 Capture an initial test exposure. 

13.1.1.7 Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary. 

13.1.1.8 Cameras produce a false color image when taking IR photographs. Further 

processing or conversion to black and white often produces better results. Additionally, consider 

capturing the image using a Camera RAW file format, which provides greater dynamic range. 

13.2 Reflective Ultraviolet (UV) 

13.2.1 This technique requires a camera that is sensitive to long-wave UV energy in 

conjunction with a longwave UV light source. This technique works especially well to capture 

details on the surface of the skin such as scarring and bite marks. 

13.2.1.1 Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting. 

13.2.1.2 Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the photograph 

of the area to be documented. 

13.2.1.3 All non-UV light sources should be turned off or blocked out for best results. 

13.2.1.4 Use a light source with significant output in the long wave UV spectrum. Efforts 

should be made to minimize long term exposure to skin and eyes as UV exposure can be 

detrimental. 
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13.2.1.5 Use a filter designed to transmit UV radiation while blocking visible light such as 

a Baader U-Venus Filter (350nm). 

13.2.1.6 Use of a quartz lens is recommended as it transmits a greater amount of UV light 

than a traditional glass lens. 

13.2.1.7 Check focus and adjust as needed. A camera with live view will aid in checking 

focus, as some UV filters can block visible light. 

13.2.1.8 Capture an initial test exposure. 

13.2.1.9 Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary. 

13.2.1.10 Cameras produce a false color image when taking UV photographs. Further 

processing or conversion to black and white often produces better results. Additionally, consider 

capturing the image using a Camera RAW file format, which provides greater dynamic range. 

13.2.1.11

13.3 Polarization 

13.3.1 This technique may eliminate glare and increase the saturation and contrast in an 

image. 

13.3.1.1 Use a circular polarizing filter on the camera lens. 

13.3.1.2 While looking through the lens or using live view, rotate the filter on the lens to 

observe the change in polarization until the desired result is achieved. 

13.3.1.3 Consider using polarizing filters or gels on the light source(s) in conjunction with 

the polarizing filter on the camera lens for cross-polarization. 

14. Keywords

14.1 Forensic Photography 

14.2 Database searches 

14.3 Near Infrared (NIR) 

14.4 Reflective Ultraviolet (UV) 

14.5 Cross Polarization