The following are common photographic problems when collecting evidence and tips for solving them.
1. Photo does not contain the information you need
2. Room or scene is well-lit, however, the subject is too dark
3. Photo is out-of-focus and overexposed
4. Subject is poorly illuminated
5. Photo is too light
6. Photo is too dark
7. Subject detail is obscured by glare
8. Flash reflects off of subject and obscures important detail
9. Instant photo has spots or streaks on it
10. Blotches across instant image
11. Photo has red or blue coloration
1. Problem: Photo does not contain the information you need -- subject is only partially visible, or too small.
Reason: The information contained in a photograph, and the position of your subject in a photograph, is referred to as its composition.
Solution: Fill viewfinder with subject, center the subject in viewfinder.
*Note: Do not move too close to subject (inside flash/focus range) as this will effect the focus and lighting of photo.
Don’t try to fit too much information into a single photograph. Take several photographs if necessary.
2. Problem: Room or scene is well-lit, however the subject is too dark.
Reason: This problem is called back lighting, and is as much the result of poor composition as lighting. The camera’s automatic exposure system “reads” the bright light, closes down the aperture to compensate for the bright light, and underexposes the subject.
Solution: Move closer to the subject to block out the light source, photograph the subject from a different position with the light source behind you, or remove the source of the back light.
3. Problem: Photo is out of focus and overexposed.
Reason: If you are too close to the subject, the photo will be out of focus. Most instant cameras have an effective focus and flash distance that allows you to take focused, well-illuminated photos from 2-4 feet.
Solution: Move away from your subject to correct the problem.
When you need to obtain detailed photos of injuries and other small evidence at a distance closer than the camera’s normal focus/flash range, use a close-up attachment.
4. Problem: Subject is poorly illuminated.
Reason: Most instant and point-and-shoot cameras have an effective indoor flash range of 2-10 feet. Your camera’s outdoor flash range will be significantly less than the indoor flash range because there are no walls or ceilings to reflect the light. If your subject is outside the camera’s flash range, it will be poorly illuminated.
Solution: Move closer to your subject.
5. Problem: Photo is too light.
Reason: Camera’s exposure control is set in the “high” position.
Solution: Move exposure control to lower position to darken photo.
6. Problem: Photo is too dark.
Reason: Camera’s exposure control is set in the “low” position.
Solution: Move exposure control to higher position to increase exposure.
7. Problem: Subject detail is obscured by glare.
Reason: Camera flash reflects off glossy or smooth surfaces.
Solution: Correct the camera angle so most of the flash illumination will bounce away from the camera.
8. Problem: Even when photographed on an angle, flash reflects off of subject and obscures important detail.
Reason: Camera flash reflects off glossy or smooth surfaces.
Solution: Turn off camera flash, mount camera on tripod to eliminate camera motion, activate shutter-using timer.
9. Problem: Instant photo has spots or streaks on it.
Reason: Dirty film rollers. After it is exposed, Polaroid film ejects through a pair of rollers that spread developer across the film. If there is dirt or foreign matter on the roller, it will leave evenly spaced spots on your image.
Solution: Open film door and clean film rollers with warm water and a soft cloth.
10. Problem: Blotches across instant image.
Reason: Waving or bending a photo while it develops.
Solution: Do not wave photo or touch front of photo while it is developing.
11. Problem: Photo has red or blue coloration.
Reason: Temperature extremes effect the color of your instant images. Hot film will have a red cast to it. Cold film will have a blue cast.
Solution: Replace with film that has been stored at room temperature. Always store film at 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Courtesy of Polaroid Law Enforcement