2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for Post Mortem 

Examination Photography

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2021-S-0013

Standard Guide for Post 

Mortem Examination 

Photography

Video / Image Technology & Analysis Subcommittee

Digital / Multimedia Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for Post Mortem 

Examination Photography

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Draft OSAC Proposed Standard

2021-S-0013

Standard Guide for Post Mortem

Examination Photography

Prepared by 

Video / Image Technology & Analysis

Version: 1.0

September 2021

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Video/Image Technology & Analysis/Digital/

Multimedia Scientific Area Committee 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 Panel (STRP). The STRP process is vital to OSAC’s mission of

generating and recognizing scientifically sound standards for producing and interpreting forensic

science results. The STRP shall provide critical and knowledgeable reviews of draft standards or 

of proposed revisions of standards previously published by standards developing organizations 
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Examination Photography

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(SDOs) to ensure that the published methods that practitioners employ are scientifically valid, 

and the resulting claims are trustworthy.

The STRP 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-forensicscience/scientific-technical-review-panels
2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for Post Mortem 

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1 1. Scope

2 1.1. This standard provides procedures describing specific photography and lighting 

3 techniques for documenting post mortem examinations. These photographs serve 

4 as a permanent record of the examination, related evidence, and findings.

5 1.2. This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through 

6 education, training, and experience, and is to be used in conjunction with 

7 professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, 

8 skills, and abilities.

9 1.3. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, 

10 associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to 

11 establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine 

12 the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

13 2. Terminology

14 2.1. Definitions—for definitions of terms relating to this standard, refer to Terminologies E2916.

15 2.2. Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

16 2.2.1. Anatomical Position - The erect position of the body with the face directed 

17 forward, the arms at the side, and the palms of the hands facing forward, 

18 used as a reference in describing the relation of body parts to one another 

19 (Dictionary.com)

20 2.2.2. Frankfurt Plane - The anatomical position of the human skull, based on a 

21 plane passing through the inferior margin of the left orbit and the upper 

22 margin of each ear canal.

23 2.2.3. Native ISO - The sensitivity (ISO) setting that does not require the camera 

24 to increase the voltage to the sensor. It is not always the lowest ISO 

25 available on the camera.

26 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and27 solutions/understanding-exposure-part-4-iso accessed 05/11/2021)

28 2.2.4. Anterior – front of the body

29 2.2.5. Posterior – rear of the body
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30 2.2.6. Documentation quality images – photographs that will be used to 

31 demonstrate the appearance of the subject, typically captured using a 

32 minimally compressed image format.

33 2.2.7. Examination quality images – photographs that will be used for 

34 comparison purposes or to calculate precise measurements, typically

35 captured using the highest resolution and least compression available on 

36 the camera. 

37 3. Summary of Practice

38 3.1. Universal precautions for health and safety

39 3.2. Suggested equipment

40 3.3. Camera settings

41 3.4. General considerations

42 3.5. Photographic documentation of post mortem examinations

43 3.6. Retention and storage of images 

44 4. Significance and Use

45 4.1. This guide is intended to increase consistency among forensic photography 

46 providers due to the evidentiary and documentary value provided by photographs 

47 during forensic autopsies.

48 4.2. This standard provides photography guidelines to better allow organizations to 

49 develop training programs and in-practice protocols.

50 4.3. This guide is not intended to address all potential examination types or conditions, 

51 nor does it supersede requirements of accrediting or certifying bodies.

52 5. Universal Precautions for Health and Safety

53 5.1. Universal precautions is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood 

54 and bodily fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other 

55 bloodborne pathogens.

56 5.2. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and gowns 

57 to prevent coming into contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
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58 6. Suggested Equipment

59 6.1. Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera 

60 (MILC)

61 6.2. Lenses covering normal to wide angle field of view and macro capabilities

62 6.3. Storage media cards

63 6.4. Batteries 

64 6.5. Lighting

65 6.5.1. Off camera Flash Unit

66 6.5.2. Flash sync cord or wireless trigger

67 6.5.3. Flash diffuser

68 6.5.4. Ring flash

69 6.5.5. Alternate Light Source (ALS)

70 6.5.6. Flashlight

71 6.6. Various scales that have been previously checked against a known standard for 

72 accuracy (e.g. L-shaped, straight, ABFO no.2, NNDV no.2); millimeters 

73 recommended.

74 6.7. Camera Support

75 6.7.1. Tripod

76 6.7.2. Articulating support

77 6.7.3. Copy stand

78 6.8. Step Stool/ Ladder

79 6.9. Background material

80 6.9.1. Neutral background for gross specimen photography 

81 6.9.2. Movable neutral background for overall or orientation photographs

82 6.9.3. Cloths / towels / drapes
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83 6.10. Case identifier / labels

84 6.11. Color reference target

85 7. Camera Settings

86 7.1. Set the correct date and time.

87 7.2. Format memory card.

88 7.3. Use Manual exposure mode. 

89 7.4. Use an aperture that yields sufficient depth of field. 

90 7.5. Use the fastest flash sync speed. 

91 7.6. Set the white balance to “Flash”.

92 7.7. Use the camera’s native ISO, to ensure the best color, contrast, saturation, and 

93 minimize artifacts from noise.

94 7.8. Choose a focus setting that allows single point focusing. 

95 7.9. Use the external flash in through-the-lens (TTL) mode.

96 7.10. Use the flash off-camera to direct the flash by hand at an angle that reduces glare 

97 or hotspots, controls shadows, and accentuates texture as needed.

98 7.11. An ALS may be used to document evidence not typically seen using visible light.

99 8. General Considerations

100 8.1. Use a ladder or step stool and normal lens when photographing the overalls, head 

101 shots, inside the body cavity, or as needed to avoid distortions. 

102 8.2. The camera lens should be perpendicular to the subject being photographed. This 

103 is critical when using a scale.

104 8.3. The focal point should be a deliberate choice by the photographer. This is 

105 especially important in close-up photography, where the depth of field is 

106 extremely limited.

107 8.4. The case number should be clearly visible in every photograph captured.
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108 8.4.1. Place the case number unobtrusively and oriented, when possible, in 

109 anatomical position with the bottom of the number parallel to the bottom 

110 of the feet of the decedent. 

111 8.4.2. When moving from an orientation photograph to a close-up, do not move 

112 the case number unless absolutely necessary. This consistency greatly 

113 helps to orient the viewer and avoid confusion. 

114 8.4.3. Use a case number of an appropriate size, so as not to cover anything 

115 relevant or be so large as to distract or overwhelm the photograph. Smaller 

116 case numbers should be used when photographing smaller areas, such as 

117 bullet holes, eyelids, wounds, etc. Some cases may require three or four 

118 different size labels while others may require only one or two.

119 8.4.4. When photographing organs or specimens outside of the body, position 

120 the case number label anatomically as if the organ were still inside the 

121 body. This consistent placement is used so that in every photograph 

122 captured, whether overall, orientation or close-up, the viewer will know 

123 what direction is up, down, right, or left. 

124 8.5. All backgrounds should be as clean, dry, and free of distraction as possible. Make 

125 sure that the body and tray it’s on are clean and dry when taking the overall 

126 photographs and the photographs are framed as closely to the edge of the tray as 

127 possible. If distracting elements are visible in the background, frame the shot 

128 differently to avoid this or use a neutral colored cloth or board to act as a 

129 background.

130 8.6. When photographing features on or inside of the body, an orientation photograph 

131 should be captured of that feature in reference to a physical structure or 

132 “landmark” on the body. It should be captured with as wide a view as practical 

133 without showing any distracting elements in the background. A second, close-up 

134 photograph should be captured filling the frame with the feature in question. If a 

135 scale is to be used in relation to the feature, take one orientation photograph, one 

136 close-up photograph without the scale, and an additional close-up photograph 

137 with the scale. 

138 9. General Photographic Documentation

139 9.1. As Is photographs: capture these photographs before moving the decedent, 

140 cleaning or shaving the body, or removal of any medical intervention or devices.
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141 9.1.1. Bag & Seal – A photograph of the body bag that the decedent arrived in 

142 including all labels or tags, and a photograph of any and all seals used to 

143 keep the body bag closed. 

144 9.1.2. Anterior Overalls – Three overlapping photographs of the upper, mid, and 

145 lower body with a large scale and large case number clearly visible in each 

146 photograph.

147 9.1.3. Head Shot – A photograph of the head and upper shoulders with a large 

148 case number below the chin in anatomical position. The photograph 

149 should be captured with a focal length of 50mm or longer (preferably 

150 between 85 and 105mm) to avoid distortion, and as centered and 

151 perpendicular as possible, in accordance with the Frankfurt Plane. See 

152 Figure 1:

153

154 Figure 1 

155 9.1.4. Posterior overall photographs if necessary.

156 9.1.5. Additional photographs as needed.

157 9.1.6. Personal Effects – Photographs should be captured of all personal effects, 

158 (i.e., jewelry, watches, wallet, etc.) while still on the body. All personal 

159 effects should then be photographed off of the body on a clean 

160 background.

161 9.2. After photographs described within 9.1 are captured and the Forensic Pathologist 

162 is done with documentation, the body may be removed from the bag. Capture 

163 additional photographs as needed to document features not visible before the body 

164 was removed from the bag or are more easily photographed with the body 

165 removed from the bag. The body should be cleaned so that the following 

166 photographs are free of any extraneous blood, fluids, or any other distracting 

167 elements that could obscure the subject. 

168 9.3. Overall Photographs:
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169 9.3.1. Anterior Overalls – Capture three overlapping photographs of the upper, 

170 mid, and lower body with scale and case number clearly visible.

171 9.3.2. Posterior Overalls – Capture three overlapping photographs of the upper, 

172 mid, and lower body with scale and case number clearly visible.

173 9.3.3. Scars, Marks, Tattoos, and other identifying characteristics – Capture

174 orientation and close-up photographs with the case number placed 

175 unobtrusively and in anatomical position. Include a scale as needed.

176 9.4. Head Shots: 

177 9.4.1. Photograph the head and upper shoulders with the case number below the 

178 chin in anatomical position. The photograph should be captured with a 

179 focal length of 50mm or longer (preferably between 85 and 105mm) to 

180 avoid distortion and as centered and perpendicular as possible, in 

181 accordance with the Frankfurt Plane. (See Figure 1)

182 9.4.2. ID Photographs: Capture an additional Head Shot for the purposes of 

183 identification, respecting the same rules as above. Take the time to make 

184 the decedent presentable (e.g., hair, closed eyes and mouth, clean and dry 

185 face, etc.). This photograph should be captured with a neutral background. 

186 In the case that there are injuries present on the face, these photographs 

187 can be captured of the profile view, with care being taken to photograph 

188 the side of the face with the fewest injuries. Compose this photograph 

189 showing as much of the face as possible while concealing trauma that may 

190 be disturbing.

191 9.4.3. For photographs used to facilitate automated facial recognition (FR) 

192 searches or manual facial comparisons that could contribute to forensic 

193 investigations refer to ASTM E3148-18 (Standard Guide for Postmortem 

194 Facial Image Capture)

195 9.5. Injury Documentation

196 9.5.1. An L-shaped forensic scale is preferred for injury documentation (e.g. 

197 ABFO no.2, NNDV no.2).

198 9.5.2. Capture orientation and close-up photographs of each injury with the case 

199 number placed unobtrusively and in anatomical position. Take close-up 

200 photographs without, then with a scale present. Repeat if the area is then 

201 shaved. 
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202 9.5.3. Place the scale on the same plane as the injury in question and photograph 

203 the scale and injury as perpendicularly as possible to obtain the most 

204 accurate measurement. 

205 9.5.3.1. If the injury is on a contoured surface, reposition the scale and re 

206 photograph as necessary along the contour.

207 9.5.4. For close-up photographs, the scale should be placed on the edge of the 

208 photograph and not fill anymore of the frame than is necessary. 

209 9.5.5. The scale should be oriented along the long edge of the photograph 

210 whenever possible.

211 9.5.6. Any pattern injury or possible “tool mark” on the body is to be treated the 

212 same way, giving consideration for examination quality photographs.

213 9.6. Internal Photography

214 9.6.1. When photographing the inside of the body cavity, the area being 

215 photographed should first be cleaned, patted dry, and excess blood or 

216 bodily fluids removed. 

217 9.6.2. Consider proper flash placement and angle to achieve even lighting and 

218 avoid unwanted shadows.

219 9.7. Gross Specimen Photography

220 9.7.1. Organ or gross specimen photographs are often needed to record unique 

221 pathological findings. Photograph the specimen on a neutral colored 

222 background (board). Fill the frame as much as possible with the specimen 

223 and case number. Make sure that the specimen and the background are 

224 clean and dry (i.e. no excess blood or bodily fluids).

225 9.7.2. If there is a specific item of interest on the organ or specimen, a 

226 photograph of the entire organ or specimen should be captured, followed 

227 by a close-up photograph of the item of interest.

228 9.7.3. Consider proper flash placement to achieve even lighting and avoid 

229 unwanted shadows.

230 9.8. Examination Quality Photographs
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231 9.8.1. Capture using the highest resolution and least compression available on 

232 the camera, Lossless RAW is preferred. For the benefit of a reviewer, 

233 photographs may be captured with a camera setting of RAW+.jpg. 

234 9.8.2. The camera and lens used should meet minimum resolution requirements 

235 for the reproduction of the subject. 

236 9.8.3. Photographs in this category include, but are not limited to bullet wounds, 

237 incised wounds, bite marks, ligature marks, tool marks, and pattern 

238 injuries.

239 9.8.4. Use a tripod, copy stand, or similar camera stability device.

240 9.8.5. Fill the frame with the subject. 

241 9.8.6. Capture the photographs with the camera lens perpendicular to the subject.

242 9.8.7. Place the scale on the same plane as the subject in question and 

243 photograph the scale and subject as perpendicularly as possible to obtain 

244 the most accurate measurement. 

245 9.8.7.1. If the subject is on a contoured surface, reposition the scale and re 

246 photograph as necessary along the contour.

247 9.9. Derived Evidence

248 9.9.1. Evidence should be placed on clean paper and photographed with a clean 

249 scale.

250 9.9.2. Clothing may need to be photographed when there is damage or physical 

251 evidence present. Care should be taken not to contaminate clothing. 

252 9.9.2.1. Photograph labels, logos, unique belongings, etc. which may help 

253 identify an unknown decedent. 

254 9.9.2.2. Defects on clothing can be highlighted with arrows or numbers of 

255 a contrasting color. Holes or tears can be accentuated by placing 

256 contrasting lighter or darker colored paper beneath them. 

257 9.9.2.3. An overall photograph of both the front and back of the clothing 

258 and close-up photographs of each pertinent defect should be 

259 captured. Use a clean scale for the close-up photographs of the 

260 defects. 
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261 9.9.3. Photograph any prosthetics, medical equipment, pacemakers, etc. showing 

262 any applicable lot or serial numbers.

263 9.9.4. Photograph any evidence removed from the body (e.g., ligatures, bindings, 

264 bullets or fragments, etc.) with the case number placed unobtrusively. 

265 Take close-up photographs without, then with a scale present.

266 10. Retention and Storage of Photographs

267 10.1. All photographs should be retained as part of case documentation, regardless if 

268 they are captured with the photographer’s primary camera or any other camera, 

269 such a back-up camera, cell phone camera, or point-and-shoot device. 

270 10.2. Original photographs should not be deleted. All photographs, including poor 

271 quality images or unintended photographs, should remain as part of case 

272 documentation. 

273 10.3. It is the responsibility of the organization to maintain all photographs so they are 

274 available for all intended purposes. 

275 10.4. The organization should be aware of all local, state, and federal laws that regulate 

276 the manner, duration, and maintenance for evidentiary photographs; and should 

277 have policies in place that comply with those measures.

278 10.5. Digital photographs should be adequately maintained to prevent loss and 

279 degradation.

280 11. Keywords

281 11.1. Post Mortem Examination Photography

282 11.2. Post Mortem Documentation

283 11.3. Autopsy Photography

284 11.4. Autopsy Documentation

285 11.5. As Is Photographs

286 11.6. Head Shots

287 11.7. Overalls

288 11.8. ID Photographs
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289 11.9. Injury Documentation

290 11.10. Internal Photography

291 11.11. Gross Specimen Photography

292 11.12. Examination Quality Photographs

293 11.13. Derived Evidence

294 11.14. Deletion of Photographs

295 11.15. Storage of Photographs