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OSAC 2021-S-0027

Standard Guide for 

Laboratory Photography

Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee

Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee (SAC)

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
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Draft OSAC Proposed Standard

OSAC 2021-S-0027

Standard Guide for Laboratory 

Photography

Prepared by 

Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee

Version: 1.0

August 2021

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis 

Subcommittee 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 (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. 
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1 Standard Guide for Laboratory Photography

2

3 1. Scope

4 1.1. This standard provides guidelines for the photographic documentation of evidence 

5 in the laboratory or another controlled environment. 

6 1.2. This document is not intended to address techniques using a scanner.

7

8 2. Terminology

9 2.1. Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to this standard, refer to 

10 Terminologies E2916.

11

12 3. Summary of Practice

13 3.1. Evidence handling

14 3.2. Protective equipment

15 3.3. Recommended photographic equipment

16 3.4. Retention and Storage of Photographs

17 3.5. Photographs for documentation

18 3.6. Photographs for examination

19 3.7. Special techniques

20 3.8. Lighting techniques

21

22 4. Significance and Use

23 4.1. Photography may be used in the laboratory to document evidence in various 

24 stages of analysis, and to show details that may not be discernible to the human 

25 eye. This standard describes specific photography and lighting techniques for 

26 documenting evidence in a laboratory or other controlled setting. These 

27 photographs serve as a permanent record of the items of evidence, any 

28 developed evidence, or enhanced features (e.g. latent fingerprints, revealing 

29 writing obscured by obliteration).

30

31 5. Evidence Handling

32 5.1. Handle evidence according to organizational policies

33 5.2. Steps shall be taken to ensure the integrity of the evidence. 
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34 5.2.1. Wear gloves and a face mask and avoid speaking around evidence to be 

35 processed for biological or trace evidence.

36 5.2.2. Use a clean surface protector such as butcher paper or other commercial 

37 product as a barrier between the evidence and working surface.

38 5.2.3. Wear glove liners under examination gloves when handling evidence to 

39 be processed for latent prints. Examination gloves alone may not prevent 

40 the photographer’s prints from being deposited.

41 5.2.4. When handling evidence that has been chemically treated, wear 

42 examination gloves rated for the chemical process.

43 5.2.5. Photograph only one item of evidence at a time. Repackage items before 

44 photographing new items.

45 5.2.6. Clean the evidence examination area when changing items of evidence.

46

47 6. Safety Concerns

48 6.1. Wear PPE appropriate for the risk as directed in organizational guidelines and 

49 procedures.

50 6.1.1. Appropriate PPE includes gloves, masks, and body covers such as a 

51 gown or lab coat.

52

53 6.2. Follow universal safety precautions 

54

55 6.3. Light Sources

56 6.3.1. Many light sources used in laboratory photography are high intensity, 

57 become hot after a short period and can be invisible. These hazards can 

58 be harmful to exposed skin and vision.

59 6.3.2. Do not look directly into any light source.

60 6.3.3. Wear eye protection rated for hazards associated with the light source. 

61 Eye protection may be color filtered to assist viewing.

62 6.3.4. Cover exposed skin when working with ultraviolet light sources.

63 6.3.5. Maintain distance between light sources, equipment, and evidence to 

64 avoid heat damage. Avoid exposing evidence to light sources for 

65 extended periods of time. 

66 6.3.6. Allow adequate cooling of lamps and housings before handling. 

67
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68 7. Suggested equipment

69 7.1. Equipment used must be appropriate for the type and nature of the evidence to 

70 be documented. It is at the discretion of the photographer/analyst to choose the 

71 appropriate method to record such evidence. Other equipment not listed here 

72 such as lenses, lighting equipment, tripods, and filters may be used as 

73 necessary. 

74

75 7.1.1. Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 

76 Camera (MILC)

77 7.1.2. Lenses covering normal to wide angle field of view, and macro 

78 capabilities

79 7.1.3. Storage media cards

80 7.1.4. Flash unit / lighting equipment

81 7.1.5. Forensic L-shaped and straight edged scales (scale)

82 7.1.6. Tripod

83 7.1.7. Off-camera flash sync cord, or wireless trigger

84 7.1.8. Spare batteries for camera, flash, and any other equipment

85 7.1.9. Lens cloth

86 7.1.10. 18% Gray card or Color reference card

87 7.1.11. Level

88 7.1.12. Alternate Light Source (ALS)

89 7.1.13. Articulating support

90 7.1.14. Copy stand

91 7.1.15. Polarizing filters

92 7.1.16. Barrier and band pass filters

93 7.1.17. Flash diffuser

94 7.1.18. Background material

95 7.1.19. Glass sheets of various sizes and thickness

96 7.2. Equipment repair, maintenance, and firmware updates shall be performed when 

97 necessary. 

98

99 8. Retention and Storage of Photographs
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100 8.1. All photographs should be retained as part of case documentation, regardless if 

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

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

103 8.2. Original photographs should not be deleted by the operator. All photographs, 

104 including poor quality or unintended photographs, should remain as part of case 

105 documentation. 

106 8.2.1. Unintended or poor-quality photographs may be deleted if a proper policy 

107 or procedure is in place.

108 8.2.2. A notation should be made regarding deleted photos that impact the 

109 number sequence.

110 8.2.3. Photographs may be introduced as evidence. It is the responsibility of the 

111 organization to maintain all photographs so they are available for all 

112 intended purposes. 

113 8.2.3.1. The organization should be aware of all local, state, and federal 

114 laws that regulate the manner, duration, and maintenance for 

115 evidentiary photographs; and should have policies in place that 

116 comply with those measures.

117 8.2.3.2. Digital photographs should be adequately maintained to prevent 

118 loss and degradation.

119

120 9. Documentation photographs

121 9.1. Provide photographs that will be used for the documentation of evidence. 

122 9.2. Documentation photographs may be saved using a minimally compressed image 

123 format. 

124 9.3. Place the evidence on a new or recently cleaned distraction free background. 

125 Examples of background material are: seamless background paper, a paper roll 

126 of background material typically used in photo studios which is available from 

127 most professional photo supply stores; butcher paper, available from many office 

128 supply stores; or a neutral countertop. Avoid using floors, carpets or any other 

129 surface without a proper protective barrier.

130 9.4. Use even illumination, which can be accomplished by using two light sources set 

131 at approximately 45 degree angles to the evidence. Ensure the lights are of equal 

132 power and distance from the evidence. 
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133 9.5. The camera should be placed so the front of the lens or the back of the camera is 

134 perpendicular to the evidence or as close as possible to avoid distortion. For 

135 larger items of evidence, photography may require the use of a ladder or 

136 scaffolding to get to the height necessary to fit the evidence in the frame of view.

137 9.6. A case number and scale should be included in all photographs. 

138 9.7. Photograph all sides of the evidence.

139 9.8. Photograph any important details on the evidence such as biological staining, 

140 cuts and tears, serial numbers or other identifying marks, or trace evidence 

141 adhering to the evidence.

142

143 10. Examination quality photographs

144 10.1. Provide photographs that have the potential to be used for comparison purposes 

145 or to calculate precise measurements. 

146 10.1.1. Photographs in this category include, but are not limited to developed 

147 latent prints, footwear impressions, and suspected toolmarks.

148 10.1.2. The camera and lens used should meet minimum resolution requirements 

149 for the subject. 

150 10.2. The photographer should consider camera settings such as focal length, 

151 aperture, and subject-to-camera distance to minimize distortions, and control 

152 depth of field.

153 10.3. Use the camera’s native ISO, the ISO that the camera’s sensor was designed for, 

154 to ensure the best color, contrast, saturation, and minimize artifacts from noise. 

155 This is typically ISO 100, although the lowest ISO on some cameras is ISO 200.

156 10.4. Use a file format allowing for highest resolution and least compression available 

157 on the camera. For the benefit of a reviewer, photographs being captured in 

158 RAW may be captured with a camera setting of RAW+.jpg to benefit multi 

159 viewing methods.

160 10.5. Use a tripod, copy stand, or similar camera stability device.

161 10.6. Fill the frame with the subject. 

162 10.7. Capture the photographs with the camera lens perpendicular to the subject.

163 10.8. Capture examination photographs using a scale that was checked against a 

164 known standard (millimeters recommended).

165 10.9. Take a photograph without a scale. Frame this photograph so there is enough 

166 room to add a scale and label without moving the evidence or camera.
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167 10.10. Take a photograph with a scale and label containing the case number, item 

168 number, the photographer’s initials or other identifier. The label may include 

169 other information such as processing information (e.g. name of dye stain used) 

170 and other information the photographer wants to document in the photograph.

171 10.11. Use a scale approximately the same size as the item to be photographed to more 

172 easily determine size and scale to life size (1:1) later. The entire width of the 

173 scale does not need to be in the photograph--only enough to determine the unit 

174 of measurement.

175 10.12. Position the scale on the same plane as the area of interest (e.g. the bottom of a 

176 shoe impression, adjacent to a developed print, adjacent to the head stamp on a 

177 cartridge). Use supports as needed for the scale and label.

178

179 11. Special Techniques

180 11.1. Chemiluminescence (e.g. luminol)

181 11.1.1. Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting conditions.

182 11.1.2. Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the 

183 photograph of the area to be documented.

184 11.1.3. Capture a test exposure using a positive control. 

185 11.1.3.1. A suggested setting is approximately 10 seconds at aperture f8 

186 and ISO 400. 

187 11.1.3.2. Set the flash to manual mode at approximately 1/64th power. Aim 

188 flash at the ceiling, or subject if ceiling is not available. 

189 11.1.4. Compose the photograph to include the area to be treated.

190 11.1.5. Place scales where appropriate.

191 11.1.6. Spray the reagent over the area of interest.

192 11.1.7. Immediately darken the room. NOTE: these reactions are short and 

193 should be documented immediately after the reagent is applied.

194 11.1.8. Capture an initial exposure and evaluate the results and reshoot if 

195 necessary.

196 11.1.8.1. Adjust the flash to control scene brightness.

197 11.1.8.2. Adjust shutter speed to control brightness of the reaction in the 

198 photograph. 
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199 11.1.9. The area may be retreated and re-photographed with alternate settings. 

200 The reaction diminishes with each re-spray and the suspected stains may 

201 become diluted and run.

202 11.1.10. Be aware that consecutive long exposures may affect image quality due 

203 to noise. Consider using in camera noise reduction and pausing between 

204 exposures. 

205

206 11.2. Fluorescence (e.g. ALS)

207 11.2.1. Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting conditions.

208 11.2.2. Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the 

209 photograph of the area to be documented.

210 11.2.3. Select the appropriate wavelength and filter combination for the item 

211 being documented.

212 11.2.4. Remove any UV filters from the lens and attach the barrier filter.

213 11.2.5. Use a dim light to illuminate the scale and label or use a fluorescent scale 

214 and pen.

215 11.2.6. Darken the room and illuminate the area with the light source. Check 

216 focus and correct as needed.

217 11.2.7. Capture an initial test exposure.

218 11.2.8. Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary.

219

220 11.3. Near Infrared (NIR)

221 11.3.1. Use a camera designed or converted to be sensitive to NIR.

222 11.3.1.1. Cameras designed for IR photography are typically most sensitive 

223 in the 700-1000nm range

224 11.3.1.2. Tethering the camera to a monitor, workstation or laptop may 

225 assist the photographer in previewing and reviewing photographs.

226 11.3.2. Use a filter designed to transmit IR radiation while blocking visible light

227 11.3.2.1. IR filters have peak transmission at a specific point or range. Read 

228 filter specifications and avoid using those that transmit visible and 

229 UV light.

230 11.3.3. Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting

231 11.3.4. Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the 

232 photograph of the area to be documented.
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233 11.3.5. Use a light source with significant output in the IR spectrum

234 11.3.6. Select the appropriate filter for the item being documented.

235 11.3.7. Check focus and correct as needed.

236 11.3.7.1. A camera with live view will aid in checking focus, as IR filters 

237 block visible light

238 11.3.8. Capture an initial test exposure.

239 11.3.9. Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary.

240 11.3.10. Cameras produce a false color image when taking IR photographs. 

241 Further processing or conversion to black and white often produces better 

242 results.

243

244 11.4. Ultraviolet (UV)

245 11.4.1. Use a camera designed or converted to be sensitive to UV radiation

246 11.4.1.1. Cameras designed for UV photography are typically most 

247 sensitive in the 180-400nm range

248 11.4.1.2. Tethering the camera to a monitor, workstation, or laptop may 

249 assist the photographer in previewing and reviewing photographs.

250 11.4.2. Use a lens designed for UV as the glass and plastics in many non-UV 

251 designed lenses block UV-B (180-200nm).

252 11.4.3. Use a filter designed to transmit UV radiation as well block IR, or an 

253 additional filter to block IR.

254 11.4.4. Capture an initial photograph of the area using normal lighting

255 11.4.5. Mount the camera on a tripod or other sturdy mount and compose the 

256 photograph of the area to be documented.

257 11.4.6. Use a light source with significant output in the UV spectrum

258 11.4.7. Select the appropriate filter for the item being documented.

259 11.4.8. Check focus and correct as needed.

260 11.4.9. Capture an initial test exposure.

261 11.4.10. Evaluate the results, adjust the settings, and rephotograph as necessary.

262 11.4.11. Cameras produce a false color image when taking UV photographs. 

263 Further processing or conversion to black and white often produces better 

264 results.

265

266 11.5. Close-up & macro photography
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267 11.5.1. Use a lens designed for close focus often designated as “micro” or 

268 “macro”.

269 11.5.2. Use of Longer focal length lenses increases the working (lens to subject) 

270 distance, which may make illuminating items easier; as well as minimizing 

271 the effects of distortion.

272 11.5.3. Close working distances create a shallow depth of field range

273 11.5.3.1. Consideration should be given to choice of aperture as smaller 

274 apertures will increase depth of field but may cause diffraction

275 11.5.3.2. Be aware that slight changes to working distance will affect focus

276 11.5.4. Use a tripod or other mounting device to reduce vibrations

277 11.5.5. This technique can be combined with the use of focus stacking.

278

279 12. Lighting techniques 

280 12.1. Considerations

281 12.1.1. Various lighting techniques can aid in the documentation and visualization 

282 of evidence. 

283 12.1.2. Evaluate the evidence to determine appropriate lighting techniques

284 12.2. Direct Lighting

285 12.2.1. Ideal for general documentation photographs and some evidentiary close 

286 ups. 

287 
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288

289 12.3. Oblique Lighting

290 12.3.1. Ideal for impressions, indented writing, and highlighting texture.

291

292 12.4. Coaxial Lighting

293 12.4.1. Ideal for capturing details on flat reflective surfaces (ie: mirrors, plastics 

294 and glossy paper items). Also works to photograph down into items where 

295 a light source may not reach.
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296

297 12.5. Transmitted Lighting

298 12.5.1. Ideal for transparent or translucent surfaces.

299

300 12.6. Bounce / Tented Lighting

301 12.6.1. Ideal for concave or convex surfaces that are a challenge to light with a 

302 single light source.
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303

304

305 12.7. Direct reflection

306 12.7.1. Ideal for flat, reflective surfaces.

307

308 

309
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310 13. Keywords

311 13.1. Documentation photographs

312 13.2. Examination photographs

313 13.3. Chemiluminescence

314 13.4. Fluorescence

315 13.5. Ultraviolet light

316 13.6. Near Infrared light

317 13.7. Lighting techniques

318 13.8. Axial lighting

319 13.9. Oblique lighting

320 13.10. Bounce/Tented/Diffused lighting

321 13.11. Direct lighting

322 13.12. Transmitted lighting