OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks and Tattoos

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OSAC 2023-S-0006

Standard Guide for 

Photographic 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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Draft OSAC Proposed Standard

OSAC 2023-S-0006

Standard Guide for Photographic 

Scars, Marks, and Tattoos

Prepared by 

Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis Subcommittee

Version: 1.0

December 2022

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by 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 (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-forensic-science/scientifictechnical-review-panels. 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks and Tattoos

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4 Standard Guide for Photographing Scars, Marks and Tattoos

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6 1. Scope

7 1.1 This guide outlines best practices for photographing scars, marks, and tattoos on living or 

8 deceased persons to achieve high quality images and optimize database searches and manual 

9 comparisons. 

10 1.2 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, 

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

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

13 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 

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

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

16 prior to use.

17 2. Referenced Documents

18 2.1 ASTM Standards:

19 2.2 E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science

20 E2916 Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination

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22 2.3 FSWIG Documents:

23 2.3.1 FISWG - Glossary - Version 2.0 - 2019.10.25

24 2.4 OSAC Documents:

25 2.4.1 OSAC 2021-S-0027, Standard Guide for Laboratory Photography 

26 2.5 SWGDE Documents:

27 2.5.1 SWGDE Lighting Techniques in Forensic Photography

28 3. Terminology

29 3.1 Definitions - for definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology for 

30 Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination E2916.

31 4. Summary of Practice

32 4.1 Universal Precautions
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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33 4.2 Suggested Equipment

34 4.3 Camera Settings

35 4.4 General Considerations

36 4.5 Scars

37 4.6 Marks

38 4.7 Tattoos

39 4.8 Special Techniques

40 5. Significance and Use

41 5.1 This guide is intended to increase the quality and consistency of photographs captured of 

42 scars, marks, and tattoos in order to optimize manual comparisons and database searches. 

43 5.2 This guide provides photography guidelines to better allow organizations to develop 

44 training programs and in-practice protocols.

45 5.3 This guide is not intended to address all potential conditions, nor does it supersede 

46 requirements of accrediting or certifying bodies.

47 6. Universal Precautions for Health and Safety

48 6.1 Universal precautions is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and 

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

50 pathogens.

51 6.2 Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and gowns to 

52 prevent coming into contact with blood and other bodily fluids.

53 6.3 Safety goggles and protective clothing that covers skin should be worn when using UV 

54 light sources.

55 7. Suggested Equipment

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57 7.1 Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (MILC)

58 7.2 Lenses

59 7.2.1 Wide Angle

60 7.2.2 Normal

61 7.2.3 Macro

62 7.2.4 Or a zoom lens capable of wide angle to normal and macro

63 7.2.5 Quartz (for reflective UV photography)
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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64 7.3 Storage media cards

65 7.4 Batteries

66 7.5 Light Sources

67 7.5.1 Flash unit

68 7.5.2 Ring flash

69 7.5.3 Infrared (IR) emitting (~750nm)

70 7.5.4 Ultraviolet (UV) emitting (between 300nm and 365nm)

71 7.6 Flash diffuser

72 7.7 Off-camera flash sync cord, or wireless trigger

73 7.8 Polarizing filters/gels for light sources

74 7.9 Various Forensic scales that have been previously checked against a known standard for 

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

76 recommended.

77 7.10 Tripod or stabilizing device

78 7.11 Lens Filters

79 7.11.1 Circular Polarizer 

80 7.11.2 Ultraviolet

81 7.11.3 Infrared

82 7.12 Lens cloth

83 7.13 Cloths / towels / drapes

84

85 8. Camera Settings

86

87 8.1 Select an image format that allows for the highest resolution and least compression 

88 available, (i.e. Uncompressed RAW, TIFF, or least compressed JPEG available). 

89 8.2 Use Manual exposure mode. 

90 8.3 Camera settings such as focal length, aperture, and subject-to-camera distance should be 

91 considered to minimize distortion and control depth of field.

92 8.4 Use of an external flash in through-the-lens (TTL) mode is recommended. Alternatively, 

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

94 macro lens.

95 8.4.1 When using a flash, ensure the shutter speed is synced with the flash. 

96 8.5 If not using a tripod or stabilizing device, use a shutter speed that effectively eliminates 

97 possible image blur caused by camera movement (1/focal length or faster).

98 8.6 Set the White Balance to match the predominant light source, or use custom White 

99 Balance.

100 8.7 Use an ISO setting that minimizes artifacts from noise.

101

102 9. General Considerations
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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104 9.1 The camera lens should be perpendicular to the area of interest being photographed. This 

105 is critical when using a scale.

106 9.2 The focus mode of the camera should be single point focusing, so that the focal point is a 

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

108 photography, where the depth of field is limited.

109 9.3 If using an external flash, consider using it off-camera to direct the flash by hand at an 

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

111 9.3.1 For optimizing database searches, avoid lighting with harsh shadows. A diffuser 

112 in front of the light may aid in reducing shadows.

113 9.4 A living subject’s dignity should be a primary consideration. If the subject will be 

114 disrobed or photographs are to be captured of areas of interest that would require exposing 

115 sensitive areas, they should be draped in a professional manner or the identity of the subject at 

116 this stage should be shrouded. 

117 9.5 An orientation photograph should be captured of the area of interest in reference to a 

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

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

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

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

122 frame with the area of interest. 

123 9.6 If the area of interest is large in size and its location is apparent in a close-up photograph, 

124 an orientation photograph may be unnecessary.

125 9.7 If the size of an area of interest is relevant and a scale is to be used, capture an orientation 

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

127 the scale. 

128 9.7.1 Place the scale on the same plane as the area of interest and photograph the scale 

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

130 measurements. 

131 9.7.2 If the area of interest is on a contoured surface, reposition the scale and re132 photograph as necessary along the contour. Maximizing depth of field should be a primary 

133 consideration as well.

134 9.7.3 For close-up photographs, the scale should be placed on the edge of the 

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

136 9.7.4 The scale should be oriented along the long edge of the photograph whenever 

137 possible.

138 10. Scars
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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139 10.1 Refers to dysmorphic or discolored areas or both of skin where permanent damage has 

140 healed (FISWG - Glossary - Version 2.0 - 2019.10.25) 

141 10.2 When capturing close-up photographs of scars and enhancing texture is beneficial, using 

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

143 10.3 The use of Reflective Ultraviolet imaging may enhance detail not apparent in the visible 

144 spectrum. (See section 13.2)

145 11. Marks

146 11.1 Refers to portions of the skin that contain a different level of pigment than the rest of the 

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

148 freckles, piercings, etc.

149 11.1.1 Marks could also refer to external injuries of the body (e.g. bruises, lacerations, 

150 abrasions, etc.)

151 11.2 Any suspected pattern injury or possible “tool mark” on the body should be photographed 

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

153 11.3 Due to the highly varied nature of marks, various photographic and lighting techniques 

154 should be considered. 

155 11.3.1 The first approach should be to avoid lighting with harsh shadows, introducing a 

156 flash diffuser if necessary.

157 11.3.2 If the texture of the mark is an important component, consider using an off158 camera flash at an oblique angle to accentuate it.

159 11.3.3 If the mark is hard to discern or somehow obscured, consider the use of any or all 

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

161 12. Tattoos 

162 12.1 Refers to a form of body modification made by ink, dyes, or pigments placed either 

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

164 12.2 When capturing photographs of tattoos, avoid lighting with harsh shadows. If necessary, 

165 consider the use of a flash diffuser.

166 12.3 If the tattoo is faded or hard to discern, consider using cross polarization to increase the 

167 saturation and contrast of the image. (See Section 13.5)

168 12.4 If the tattoo is obscured by darker skin tones, mummification, decomposition, or other 

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

170 spectrum (See Section 13.3)

171
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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173 13. Special Techniques

174

175 13.1 Near Infrared (NIR)

176 13.1.1 This technique requires a camera that is sensitive to IR energy in conjunction with 

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

178 spectrum. 

179 13.1.1.1 Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting.

180 13.1.1.2 Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy device and compose the photograph 

181 of the area to be documented.

182 13.1.1.3 Use a light source with significant output in the IR spectrum.

183 13.1.1.4 Use a filter designed to transmit IR radiation while blocking visible light.

184 13.1.1.5 Check focus and adjust as needed. A camera with live view will aid in checking 

185 focus, as IR filters block visible light.

186 13.1.1.6 Capture an initial test exposure.

187 13.1.1.7 Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary.

188 13.1.1.8 Cameras produce a false color image when taking IR photographs. Further 

189 processing or conversion to black and white often produces better results.

190 13.2 Reflective Ultraviolet (UV)

191 13.2.1 This technique requires a camera that is sensitive to long-wave UV energy in 

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

193 details below the skin such as bruises, bite marks and scarring.

194 13.2.1.1 Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting.

195 13.2.1.2 Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the photograph 

196 of the area to be documented.

197 13.2.1.3 All non-UV light sources should be turned off or blocked out for best results.

198 13.2.1.4 Use a light source with significant output in the long wave UV spectrum. Efforts 

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

200 detrimental. 
OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for 

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201 13.2.1.5 Use a filter designed to transmit UV radiation while blocking visible light such as 

202 a Baader U-Venus Filter (350nm).

203 13.2.1.6 Use of a quartz lens is recommended as it transmits a greater amount of UV light 

204 than a traditional glass lens. 

205 13.2.1.7 Check focus and adjust as needed. A camera with live view will aid in checking 

206 focus, as some UV filters can block visible light.

207 13.2.1.8 Capture an initial test exposure.

208 13.2.1.9 Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary.

209 13.2.1.10 Cameras produce a false color image when taking UV photographs. Further 

210 processing or conversion to black and white often produces better results.

211 13.3 Cross Polarization 

212 13.3.1 This technique may eliminate glare and increase the saturation and contrast in an 

213 image.

214 13.3.1.1 Use polarizing filters or gels on the light source(s).

215 13.3.1.2 Use a circular polarizing filter on the camera lens.

216 13.3.1.3 While looking through the lens or using live view, rotate the filter on the lens to 

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

218 14. Keywords

219 14.1 Forensic Photography

220 14.2 Database searches

221 14.3 Near Infrared (NIR)

222 14.4 Reflective Ultraviolet (UV) 

223 14.5 Cross Polarization