- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
The multi-faceted field of Forensic Photography is used in diverse disciplines as Forensic Odontology, Dactyloscopy, Document Examination, Forensic Pathology and Forensic Tool Mark Examination. Forensic photography's role as well as its limitations are emphasized in this course. Students will be thoroughly immersed in the theory of photography, providing them with an understanding of the techniques which will be used in the practical exercise. Topics include crime scene photography, alternate light source photography, unltraviolet and infrared photography, photomicrography, macro photography, theory of light and photographic evidence in the courtroom.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$885.39
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Apply principles of "forensic photography" and compare how it differs from conventional photography.
- Demonstrate how light is controlled to arrive at the desired exposure.
- Outline the terms "true perspective" and "viewing distance" and their potential impact in a court of law.
- Given a simulated outdoor crime scene in darkness, correctly demonstrate:
- the photographic documentation of the scene using a time exposure.
- the photographic documentation of the scene by "painting" with light.
- Given a three-dimensional impression, correctly demonstrate the proper techniques in its photographic documentation.
- Outline what is meant by the term "stokes shift" and its importance in forensic photography.
- Given a simulated crime scene, demonstrate the correct protocol in depicting the scene photographically.
- Correctly photograph a developed fingerprint 1:1 in situ as well as from a set of known fingerprints.
- Plan and demonstrate the proper techniques when faced with a variety of photographic problems, using the principles of depth of field; depth of focus; law of reciprocity; inverse square law; perspective and distortion.
Effective as of Fall 2007
Related Programs
Forensic Photography (FSCT 8340) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8340 for the Fall 2025 term.
CRN 33224
Dates
Sep 16 - Nov 21 Loading
- CRN 33224
- $885.39 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
10 weeks
Instructor
Dom Toa
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This is a HYBRID course with ONLINE asynchronous delivery Sept 16 - Nov 21, 2025 and 2 F2F (face to face) classes: Sun, Oct 19th and Nov 16th, 2025 from 0900 - 1700 (9am-5pm). There are no textbooks for this offering. The instructor will distribute any course materials in The Learning Hub. Photography equipment will be supplied. But if you have a DSLR /mirrorless personal camera please use that. Each student will be required to have laptop, (access to: PPT, and Photoshop - kb.bcit.ca/student/software-licensing-student-resources-172/) and & empty, formatted USB flash memory thumb drive of at least 8GB. The thumb drive will be required each day of the on-site portion of the course. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.