How Much Schooling Do You Have to Have to Be a Forensic Photographer?
- The core of your training begins in learning to identify and use camera equipment and gear. Though forensic photography does not necessarily require a college degree, you'll need to have some formal training in basic photography to get started. Novice photographers can enroll in basic photography courses at community colleges and universities to learn about standard photography techniques and equipment. Consider taking a distance learning photography course online.
- Many people who pursue careers in forensic photography elect to participate in criminal justice courses. To enter the field, you won't be required to earn a degree in criminal justice. However, completing a certification course will prepare you for work in crime scene investigation and give you an advantage over basic photographers in the employment market. Some colleges offer forensic photography as part of the criminal justice certification course. Many provide on-site training in a traditional classroom setting and online certification courses in criminal justice for distance-learning students.
- Another way to get started as a forensic photographer is to participate in a forensic photography course. Certain universities provide certification programs that focus exclusively on crime scene investigation procedures and techniques used by industry professionals. The University of California Davis campus offers three courses, including "An Introduction to Digital Photography" and "Forensic Photography" parts 1 and 2. West Virginia University's eLearning program provides a comprehensive forensic photography course online for distance learning. The course is composed of 10 units including study topics such as courtroom photography, items of evidence and crime scene photography.
- Theoretically, as long as you have a high school diploma and a minimal amount of formal photography training you can legally work as a forensic photographer. Of course, your odds of landing a position over a more intensively trained competitor may be significantly reduced, but it's not an impossibility. Some government law enforcement agencies and privately owned forensic investigation services hire professional photographers without forensic experience. Though rare, in such instances you can learn and gain experience through on-the-job training programs.
- Though not required by law or employers, becoming a certified forensic photographer is the most ideal way to gain credibility in the field. The International Association for Identification provides nationally recognized certification in forensic photography. To qualify, you need at least three years of working experience in professional photography and must complete 40 hours of training in forensic imaging. Such training may include working with local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, official IAI classes or forensic imaging workshops. You must also provide two letters of reference -- one from an actively working pro photographer and the other from your immediate supervisor -- and successfully complete all exams.