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
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$903.60
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
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.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 8340 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 33224
Dates
Sep 14 - Nov 20 Loading
- CRN 33224
- $903.60 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
10 weeks
Instructor
Dom Toa
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This is a HYBRID course with ONLINE asynchronous delivery Sept 15 - Nov 20, 2026 and two (2) F2F (face to face) classes: Sun, Oct 18 and Nov 15, 2026 from 0900 - 1700 (9am-5pm) PST. There are no required textbooks. 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.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.