OSAC 2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for 

Post Mortem Examination Photography

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OSAC 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
OSAC 2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for 

Post Mortem Examination Photography

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OSAC Proposed Standard

OSAC 2021-S-0013

Standard Guide for Post Mortem

Examination Photography

Prepared by 

Video / Image Technology & Analysis Subcommittee

Version: 2.0

March 2022

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 
OSAC 2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for 

Post Mortem Examination Photography

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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-forensicscience/scientific-technical-review-panels
OSAC 2021-S-0013 Standard Guide for 

Post Mortem Examination Photography

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1. Scope

1.1. This standard provides procedures describing specific photography and lighting 

techniques for documenting post mortem examinations. These photographs serve 

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

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.

2. Terminology

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

2.2. Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

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

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

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

(Dictionary.com)

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

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

margin of each ear canal.

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

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

available on the camera.

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

2.2.4. Anterior – front of the body

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

demonstrate the appearance of the subject, typically captured using a 

minimally compressed image format.

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

comparison purposes or to calculate precise measurements, typically

captured using the highest resolution and least compression available on 

the camera. 

3. Summary of Practice

3.1. Universal precautions for health and safety

3.2. Suggested equipment

3.3. Camera settings

3.4. General considerations

3.5. Photographic documentation of post mortem examinations

3.6. Retention and storage of images 

4. Significance and Use

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

providers due to the evidentiary and documentary value provided by photographs 

during forensic autopsies.

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

develop training programs and in-practice protocols.

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

nor does it supersede requirements of accrediting or certifying bodies.

5. Universal Precautions for Health and Safety

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

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

bloodborne pathogens.

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

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

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

(MILC)

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

6.3. Storage media cards

6.4. Batteries 

6.5. Lighting

6.5.1. Off camera Flash Unit

6.5.2. Flash sync cord or wireless trigger

6.5.3. Flash diffuser

6.5.4. Ring flash

6.5.5. Alternate Light Source (ALS)

6.5.6. Flashlight

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

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

recommended.

6.7. Camera Support

6.7.1. Tripod

6.7.2. Articulating support

6.7.3. Copy stand

6.8. Step Stool/ Ladder

6.9. Background material

6.9.1. Neutral background for gross specimen photography 

6.9.2. Movable neutral background for overall or orientation photographs

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

6.11. Color reference target

7. Camera Settings

7.1. Set the correct date and time.

7.2. Format memory card.

7.3. Use Manual exposure mode. 

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

7.5. Use the fastest flash sync speed. 

7.6. Set the white balance to “Flash”.

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

minimize artifacts from noise.

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

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

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

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

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

8. General Considerations

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

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

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

is critical when using a scale.

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

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

extremely limited.

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

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

of the feet of the decedent. 

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

the case number unless absolutely necessary. This consistency greatly 

helps to orient the viewer and avoid confusion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with the scale. 

9. General Photographic Documentation

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

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

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

keep the body bag closed. 

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

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

photograph.

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

case number below the chin in anatomical position. The photograph 

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

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

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

Figure 1:

Figure 1 

9.1.4. Posterior overall photographs if necessary.

9.1.5. Additional photographs as needed.

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

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

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

background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

elements that could obscure the subject. 

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

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

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

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

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

orientation and close-up photographs with the case number placed 

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

9.4. Head Shots: 

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

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

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

avoid distortion and as centered and perpendicular as possible, in 

accordance with the Frankfurt Plane. (See Figure 1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

be disturbing.

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

searches or manual facial comparisons that could contribute to forensic 

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

Facial Image Capture)

9.5. Injury Documentation

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

ABFO no.2, NNDV no.2).

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

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

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

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

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

accurate measurement. 

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

photograph as necessary along the contour.

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

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

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

whenever possible.

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

same way, giving consideration for examination quality photographs.

9.6. Internal Photography

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

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

bodily fluids removed. 

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

avoid unwanted shadows.

9.7. Gross Specimen Photography

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

pathological findings. Photograph the specimen on a neutral colored 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

unwanted shadows.

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

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

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

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

for the reproduction of the subject. 

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

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

injuries.

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

9.8.5. Fill the frame with the subject. 

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

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

photograph the scale and subject as perpendicularly as possible to obtain 

the most accurate measurement. 

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

photograph as necessary along the contour.

9.9. Derived Evidence

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

scale.

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

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

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

identify an unknown decedent. 

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

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

contrasting lighter or darker colored paper beneath them. 

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

and close-up photographs of each pertinent defect should be 

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

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

any applicable lot or serial numbers.

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

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

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

10. Retention and Storage of Photographs

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

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

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

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

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

documentation. 

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

available for all intended purposes. 

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

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

have policies in place that comply with those measures.

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

degradation.

11. Keywords

11.1. Post Mortem Examination Photography

11.2. Post Mortem Documentation

11.3. Autopsy Photography

11.4. Autopsy Documentation

11.5. As Is Photographs

11.6. Head Shots

11.7. Overalls

11.8. ID Photographs
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11.9. Injury Documentation

11.10. Internal Photography

11.11. Gross Specimen Photography

11.12. Examination Quality Photographs

11.13. Derived Evidence

11.14. Deletion of Photographs

11.15. Storage of Photographs