Digital Photography for Traffic Crash Investigators

This comprehensive program prepares agency representatives who actively document traffic crash scenes to master professional photography techniques using departmental digital cameras. Through a blend of classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants will develop proficiency in operating their cameras beyond automatic settings, utilizing at least three distinct camera modes.

The curriculum emphasizes both daytime and nighttime scene documentation, with two of the five course days dedicated to evening photography. Instruction covers flash photography techniques and strategies for leveraging available light in low-visibility conditions. Participants will spend one full day at a local salvage yard applying classroom skills to simulate real-world post-crash vehicle inspections typical of impound operations. Additionally, the course covers macro photography for capturing detailed evidence, including specialized techniques for vehicle lamp documentation.

Upon completion, participants will possess confident, practical knowledge of photographically documenting vehicles, damage patterns, and vehicle-related evidence using their departmental digital camera. Successful completion requires full attendance, completion of all assigned projects, and satisfactory evaluation by course instructors.

Topics Covered

• Digital camera operation and settings
• Crash scene analysis and documentation
• Close-up and macro photography techniques
• Managing various lighting conditions
• Nighttime, inclement weather, and flash photography
• Vehicle damage documentation
• Human injury photography

Program Details

Duration: 40 hours

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Instructor: Dan Mulligan

Continuing Education: The course qualifies for 40 ACTAR CEUs.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, crime scene personnel, claims adjusters, engineers, medical examiners, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers.

Florida participants: FDOT grant-funded seats are available exclusively for sworn Florida law enforcement personnel, civilian crime scene personnel, and Medical Examiner Technician Field Investigators employed by Florida agencies. Federal and military law enforcement personnel in Florida are not eligible for grant funding but may register for paid seats.

Required Materials

• Digital camera (SLR format preferred)
• Memory cards and compatible card reader
• External flash unit with hot shoe mount
• Off-camera synchronization cord
• Extra batteries for camera and flash
• Battery charger
• Tripod
• Level
• Work clothing suitable for outdoor activities and inclement weather

Recommended Materials

• Camera instruction manual
• Remote shutter release cable or wireless remote control
• Circular polarizing filter compatible with your camera lens
• Laptop computer with administrative access privileges