When photographing a crime scene, an officer should use a three step process. This process involves taking an overall shot of the crime scene, a medium shot of the scene and a close-up. For example, if the crime scene is a burglary where a rear window was broken to obtain entry, the officer should first take an overall picture of the back of the house showing the window's location in relation to the house. Next, the officer would move in to take a picture of the window itself. Third, the officer would take a close-up of the portion of the window that was broken.
Officers often neglect taking an overall or medium shot and focus almost exclusively on a close-up.
However, by taking overall and medium shots, the officer can better illustrate for the jury how the crime took place. This also allows the officer to use the photographs as a guide for his testimony, making it easier for the officer to remember and explain details and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication with the jury. The use of scales is another important area of crime scene photography. Scales are used when taking medium or close-up pictures of an object, for example, pry marks on a window. Always use a ruler for a scale.