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Investigation Photography
Figure 6-7.A close-up damage to the USS Stark after it was struck by Iraqi-launched Exocet missile

Photography (Basic) - Introduction to photography and other graphic techniques
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a car, it should first be photographed before the car is moved. This overall or medium shot should show both the car in comparison to other scene elements and its relationship to the gun. Only then should the car be moved to get the closeup shot of the gun Today, the trend in Navy investigations is to use color  film  because  color  photographs  represent  the subject more realistically than black-and-white film. People see their surroundings in color, and based on this premise,  color  photography  has  become  completely acceptable for courtroom use. Color pictures convey a more  accurate  representation  of  the  facts  to  the  court  or persons reviewing reports. FIRE AND ARSON PHOTOGRAPHY Fire fighters and damage control personnel realize the value of good photographic records of a fire and its damage in helping determine both the cause of the fire and the effectiveness of the methods used to fight the fire. One of the most important functions of any group of fire fighters is training. The most effective training method is, of course, actually practicing fire fighting. However, aboard ship and because of the cost ashore, this cannot always be done. The next best method of training is with visual aids. By studying still pictures and movies of a fire, firemen and members of the damage control party can receive instructions and observe proper procedures in the performance of their duties. Photography  serves  as  a  means  of  refreshing  the memories of fire fighters and witnesses during the investigation of a fire. Fires   aboard   ship   and   ashore   should   be photographed  from  the  time  the  fire  party  arrives  to  the time the tire is out. Pictures of the fire should include overall views showing the positions of trucks, ladders, hoses,  other  types  of  equipment,  personnel  fighting  the fire, and people watching the fire. Pictures of the progress of the fire must also be made. Fire progress pictures should show the structure, smoke, and flames. Arson is becoming a big business in the civilian world. As sailors, we do not see much arson in the Navy, but there have been cases and will continue to be cases of arson in the Navy. We cannot afford to have an arsonist in our midst, particularly aboard ship or in the barracks. Without evidence, arrest and prosecution of an arsonist  is  extremely  difficult.  Photography  is  an effective tool in recording and preserving the evidence of set fires. Much of the actual evidence may be destroyed during fire fighting, or if it survives the fire, it  may  be  impossible  to  preserve. Every  effort  should  be  made  to  photograph  the scene of a fire, whether or not arson is suspected, before it is disturbed by other operations. You must work fast, but never do a careless job. Your pictures may be used to prove the intent to commit arson. The pictures you make of a fire should do the following: Show the area or areas in which the fire started or was set. Help identify spectators. An arsonist often remains to watch the fire. Provide   information   about   the   speed   of combustion  and  direction  of  spreading. Show the progressive stages of burning and fire fighting from various angles. If possible, keep a record of  the  time  each  picture  was  made. Help investigators determine the type of material burning.  This  is  where  the  use  of  color  film  is recommended. The steam, color, and quantity of smoke and the color and size of flames are indications of what type of material is burning. The color of the smoke often indicates whether an accelerant, such as gas, was used to speed the burning. Once the fire is out, pictures (fig. 6-7) are made of the  rubble.  Give  particular  attention  to  the  most  burned or  charred  areas.  The  structure  should  be  photographed from all sides to show the damaged areas. Other things to  look  for  are  incendiary  devices  and  combustible materials, such as matchbooks, paper, liquids (such as gas and paint thinner), and fuses. Although they may have burned completely, there could be a visible trail, defective wiring, and electrical or gas appliances that may have been the cause of the fire. The exposure required to photograph the interior of a building after a fire may be considerably more than indicated by normal exposure calculation methods. So much light is absorbed by blackened and charred areas that it may be necessary for you to open up several stops over  your  indicated  exposure,  even  for  well-lighted close-ups.  When  using  flash  to  light  burned  areas,  hold the  flash  away  from  the  camera  to  permit  some improvement in the rendering of texture. This will bring out the alligator or checked pattern of burned wood, blistered paint, and so forth. 6-16







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