When to Take Photographs
- Daytime only, when the sun is bright
Where to Pose the Victim
- Outside, in open shade (under a tree, on a shaded porch)
- No direct sunlight on any part of the photo
- Avoid colored backgrounds (e.g., red brick walls)
- Background should be simple and non-distracting
- No dogs in the photos
Camera or Phone Settings
- File size: largest available (minimum 2 megapixels)
- Flash: off
- Zoom: off for phones; use optical zoom only on cameras
- White balance: shade or auto
- Focus: auto (must focus directly on the wound)
- Exposure: auto
- File type: .jpg
Preparing the Victim
- Clean appearance: freshly washed face, clean ears and nose
- No facial hair: clean-shaven for adults; men must not have stubble, women no facial hair
- No makeup
- No jewelry: remove wristwatches, chains, earrings, etc.
- No fashion accessories
- No images of dogs on clothing
- Conservative clothing: suitable for a court appearance or business meeting
- If wounds are normally covered by clothes, remove that clothing for the photo
- Undergarments must be conservative and, if possible, not appear in the same photo as the victim’s face
- For private areas (buttocks, thighs, breasts, etc.), maintain modesty with surrounding conservative clothing
Posing the Victim
- Natural and conservative posture
- Standing, unless medically impossible
- Serious expression: no smiling, unless smile is affected by the injury
- Eyes looking straight ahead, minimal expression
- Document expressions: if the wound affects the smile or facial movement, include before and after expression photos
- No pressed lips: mouth should be slightly open and relaxed
- No crying, no tears: wait until after emotional recovery
- Do not point to the wounds
- No friends, family, or pets in the photo
What to Include in the Photos
Facial Injuries:
- The entire head in all shots
- Front view
- Left quarter view
- Left profile
- Right quarter view
- Right profile
Hand or Finger Injuries:
- The entire hand and wrist
- The opposite hand and wrist for comparison
Arm or Leg Injuries:
- Entire arm (shoulder to hand)
- Entire leg (hip to foot)
- Close-ups of the wounds
- Opposite arm or leg from matching angles for comparison