Online Crime Scene Photography Course
From basic camera skills to intermediate and advanced forensic photography
The Online Crime Scene Photography Course was personally developed by John Calvin Gaziano, MFS, MS, a retired police sergeant with 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 24 years specializing in crime scene investigation and analysis.
Designed for forensic science students, educators, aspiring crime scene investigators, and law enforcement professionals, this comprehensive, self-paced course requires no previous photography or forensic experience. Students begin with basic camera operation and crime scene photography fundamentals, progress through intermediate techniques, and advance to specialized forensic photography applications.
This course is not simply a collection of PowerPoint presentations transferred from Pinnacle Forensics’ established classroom training. It is being purpose-built for online learning, with interactive lessons, original forensic photographs, photographic comparisons, realistic investigative scenarios, instructor narration, knowledge checks, and step-by-step video demonstrations of practical exercises. Instead of passively moving through slides, students will actively explore photographic techniques, apply what they learn, and build practical crime scene photography skills.
Anticipated Launch: 2027
Nighttime Photography and Painting With Light
Painting with light is one of the specialized techniques covered in this course. Drag the slider to compare a nighttime scene before and after applying this photographic technique.
More Than Slides: A Highly Interactive Learning Experience
The online course is being developed around active learning rather than passive viewing. Students will examine authentic photographic examples, compare the effects of different camera positions and lighting techniques, and work through realistic investigative scenarios that require them to make photographic decisions. Interactive activities and knowledge checks will help students evaluate their understanding and apply what they have learned. The emphasis is on developing practical photography skills and sound photographic judgment—not simply memorizing information presented on slides.
Explore Photo Techniques
Examine authentic photographic examples and discover how camera positioning, exposure, focus, and lighting affect the accuracy and quality of forensic photographs.
Apply Critical Thinking
Evaluate realistic investigative scenarios, consider different photographic approaches, and develop the decision-making skills necessary for effective crime scene documentation.
Reinforce Your Understanding
Strengthen your knowledge through interactive learning activities and knowledge checks that connect photographic principles to practical applications in forensics.
Want to learn more about what makes this course different? Read how Pinnacle Forensics is developing an interactive online learning experience that goes beyond traditional PowerPoint presentations.
Developed by an Experienced Crime Scene Investigator and Forensic Instructor
John Calvin Gaziano, MFS, MS
Crime scene instructor • forensic consultant • retired police sergeant
The Online Crime Scene Photography Course is personally developed by John Calvin Gaziano, a retired police sergeant and former Crime Scene Investigation Unit supervisor with 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 24 years specializing in crime scene investigation and analysis.
Throughout his career, John has processed, documented, analyzed, and reconstructed thousands of crime scenes. His qualifications include a Master of Forensic Science, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, previous certifications as an IAI Senior Crime Scene Analyst and Bloodstain Pattern Analyst, and experience testifying as a forensic expert.
John also authored the 285-page Crime Scene Photography: A Practical Approach to Forensic Documentation and developed and taught Pinnacle Forensics’ highly rated, 40-hour classroom photography course.
The online course draws upon this extensive investigative experience, the 285-page Crime Scene Photography manual, and years of successful classroom instruction. Each online lesson is being developed specifically for independent study, with carefully structured explanations, original photographic examples, and opportunities to apply the techniques being taught. This approach preserves the depth and practical emphasis of Pinnacle Forensics’ established classroom training while creating a distinct learning experience designed for online students.
Comprehensive Crime Scene Photography Training — From Basic to Advanced
This comprehensive, self-paced online crime scene photography course begins with basic camera operation and photographic fundamentals, progresses through intermediate lighting and evidence documentation techniques, and advances to specialized forensic photography applications. No previous photography or forensic experience is required.
Basic Photography Fundamentals
- Camera operation and photographic composition
- Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure control
- Lenses, focus, and depth of field
- White balance, metering, and histograms
- Basic flash photography
- Overall, midrange, and close-up crime scene documentation
Intermediate Forensic Photography Techniques
- Exposure correction, bracketing, and challenging lighting conditions
- Electronic flash, fill flash, bounce flash, and off-camera lighting
- Oblique lighting and controlling shadows and reflections
- Evidence photography, including proper scales and camera positioning
- Footwear impressions, tire tracks, indented writing, and dust prints
- Indoor crime scene and vehicle photography
Advanced and Specialized Forensic Photography
- Nighttime photography and painting with light
- Shooting scene and bullet trajectory documentation
- Officer-involved shooting photography
- Bloodstain pattern photography
- Fingerprint and specialized close-up evidence photography
- Infrared, ultraviolet, and fluorescence photography
- Chemiluminescence photography
- Body and injury photography
- Digital image integrity
- Courtroom testimony and photographic evidence
Practical Exercises and Video Demonstrations
A major feature of this online course will be step-by-step instructional videos demonstrating all 23 practical exercises from Pinnacle Forensics’ established classroom photography course. Rather than relying solely on written instructions or static presentations, students will watch photographic techniques being performed, including equipment preparation, camera settings, lighting techniques, and the resulting photographs. These demonstrations will help students understand each procedure before they attempt the exercises with their own photographic equipment.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete as many of the 23 practical exercises as possible using their own photographic equipment. Applying these techniques firsthand will help reinforce their understanding, develop practical skills, and build confidence in forensic photography.
Certain specialized exercises, such as chemiluminescence photography, may require equipment, materials, or controlled conditions that not every student can readily access. We will demonstrate these procedures through instructional videos, allowing students to study and understand the techniques even when performing them independently is impractical.
Get Notified When Enrollment Opens
Pinnacle Forensics’ comprehensive, highly interactive Online Crime Scene Photography Course is anticipated to launch in 2027.
Join our notification list to receive an email when enrollment opens. There is no obligation to enroll.
Course-launch notification only. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.