Evidence Photography?

[3of11]

I was asked by a law firm yesterday what I would charge to come out and take pictures of injuries for them. I have no idea what to tell them. Any ideas? Is there anything that I should make sure to say I will or wont do?

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[skieur]

I was asked by a law firm yesterday what I would charge to come out and take pictures of injuries for them. I have no idea what to tell them. Any ideas? Is there anything that I should make sure to say I will or wont do?

Your expenses as in gas, travel, etc. plus a little less than your standard rate since it is easier to do, than some photographic work in that the emphasis is on accuracy and documentation with no "artistic" needs.

You should ask however whether you might have to testify in court related to taking the photos. It is a possibility.

skieur

[icassell]

In this era of digital manipulation, you should find out (someone here might know) what you need to do to make sure the authenticity of your images is not questioned in court. I know Canon makes a gizmo that tags images on their cameras to prove they authentic, but I dont know how necessary that is.

http://www.adorama.com/ICADOSKE3.htm...k-e3&item_no=1



Ian

[jlykins]

I know my uncle is the lead detective for the police station that he works at, and he does all of the shots for them with a D80. No special verification gizmo, so maybe you wouldn't need one.

[skieur]

In this era of digital manipulation, you should find out (someone here might know) what you need to do to make sure the authenticity of your images is not questioned in court. I know Canon makes a gizmo that tags images on their cameras to prove they authentic, but I dont know how necessary that is.

http://www.adorama.com/ICADOSKE3.htm...k-e3&item_no=1

Ian

Authenticity of photos is not usually questioned in court unless they are possibly in conflict with other evidence which is extremely rare. If that were the case, then the photographer might have to testify.

skieur

[pixeldawg]

Make sure if you DO agree to this work that the law firm understands that you get paid upon completion of the work rather than when the case settles. I had a law firm request similar images and then after delivery informed me that they intended on paying me when the case settled and that this was "customary" for law firms. It is not, and don't allow them to do this to you.

[Snyder]

Ive done hundreds of Evidence Photography jobs, Just a few tips macro lenses help. Make sure to get long, medium and close up shots. And make sure to shot 1:1 lighting ratio. You dont want soft lighting to cover up any scars or bruises on the person body.

[3of11]

You guys are awesome! I hadn't even thought of some of this stuff. Great to get the advice.

[SlimPaul]

wow. Taking photos of bodies. Thats an interesting job...

[skieur]

Make sure if you DO agree to this work that the law firm understands that you get paid upon completion of the work rather than when the case settles. I had a law firm request similar images and then after delivery informed me that they intended on paying me when the case settled and that this was "customary" for law firms. It is not, and don't allow them to do this to you.

I can't say anything positive about the law firm you were dealing with. I am working with a lawyer to prosecute a lawsuit and so far about $250,000 has been payed out before settlement for various disbursements and expenses. That is "customary" for reputable firms.

skieur

[skieur]

wow. Taking photos of bodies. Thats an interesting job...

Somewhat depressing when you are covering a death scene photographically of a young student at school.

skieur

[SpeedTrap]

If youshoot Nikon you may want to look into this.

http://www.nikon.ca/en/Product.aspx?m=16012

This is the reason most police services use Nikon

[MikeBcos]

Somewhat depressing when you are covering a death scene photographically of a young student at school.

skieur

Extremely depressing, I have a contract at work that involves the duplication of evidence documents, including photographs, some of them are far from "interesting".

[Mike_E]

Ask if they want the CF card, charge them retail + expenses if they do. Once upon a time the original file on the card it was written on was required in court. (some places anyway)

[roadkill]

I would find it less depressing knowing my work may lead to justice for that person