Are you the type of a person that pays close attention to detail? Do you find all aspects of criminal justice fascinating? Are you skilled behind the camera, and considered to be a law abiding citizen? If so, you might want to consider seeking a career as a crime scene photographer. This page will provide you with information on how to become a crime scene photographer.

Before you start mapping out your future as a crime scene photographer, you need to make some preliminary decisions about where you intend to live and work. This will have a lot to do with the direction you take career wise. If you want to live and work in a small town, for example, you will probably be hired on as a member of the law enforcement staff. In some cases, you will not be hired solely as a crime scene photographer. Various members of the law enforcement staff may rotate into the job at different times. This means you will be hired on to perform other law-related tasks as well. If this is not something you are willing to do, then you will need to seek work in another marketplace. Some cities or larger towns may hire out regular freelance photographers, for example.

There is no clear path to becoming a crime scene photographer. As mentioned above, many of your decisions will be based on where you intend to work. This includes the type of education and experience you will be expected to have. Most crime scene photographers, however, are required to have a bachelor's degree from a reputable college. Degrees you might want to consider include:

1. Criminology
2. Criminal Justice
3. Forensic Science

General requirements for crime scene photographers include:

1. Clean criminal record. This is applicable to most any law enforcement related job, so expect a full background check to be performed before you are hired.
2. Strong physical agility and health. You will be expected to venture into places that may be physically taxing, as crime scenes are often away from more populated areas. This requires you to be physically fit.
3. You should be able to handle strong and offensive smells and visually disturbing situations.
4. Have an interest or love of criminal law, police related work, science or technology

Most crime scene photographers will need to invest in their own equipment. It will depend on who employs you, but if you are freelance you will definitely need to have your own crime scene photography equipment. This will benefit you prior to beginning your career, as it will help you to gain experience behind the lens. Today, there are many options for purchasing discounted camera equipment, so be sure and research thoroughly before blindly going out to purchase a new camera. Trends in photographic equipment are constantly changing as well, so check online or call a crime scene photographer or your local police department for information on the proper equipment to purchase.

Once you have the proper equipment, you should start self educating yourself by going out into the field. You can:

1. Take photography classes
2. Consider shadowing a crime scene photographer to get a feel for the details of the job
3. Practice taking photos all the time, and consider selling some of your photos to local publications
4. Get to know local law enforcement personnel. Make connections! Start to understand the law.
5. Join local groups or associations associated with law enforcement on the local or regional level

Once you feel confidant and ready to tackle the stressful, often fast paced world of the crime scene photographer, you should start seeking work. If you are going the freelance route, it is important to put together a website and portfolio, marketing yourself to local law related agencies. Whether you want to go the freelance route, or you want to be hired full-time, you should call around your area to see what types of jobs are available to you and start taking steps to secure yourself a position as the next crime scene photographer in your city or town.

Once you have completed the above steps, you will be on your way to becoming a crime scene photographer. Continue to hone your abilities as you go, as the workplace is constantly changing with the introduction of new digital equipment and scientific advancements. Just remember, hard work and perseverance will go a long way!