IAI CFPH study plan
IAI CFPH · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Map the full CFPH forensic photography and imaging body of knowledge into a written outline with every subtopic listed and weighted by your current confidence from 1 to 5
Define and write out the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and explain in your own notes how each control changes depth of field, motion capture, and noise in evidence photographs
Compare the three metering modes (evaluative/matrix, center-weighted, spot) and state when each is appropriate for a scene with mixed lighting such as a dark doorway behind a lit subject
Set up a personal reference sheet of camera settings used for full-scene, mid-range, and close-up evidence shots and justify each starting value
Your checkpoint
A 1,500-word personal forensic photography reference document containing the topic map, exposure fundamentals, metering guidance, and a three-tier settings table with written justifications
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Explain how focal length and sensor size interact to change field of view and perspective distortion, and identify which lens choices suit overall, mid-range, and macro evidence views
Describe the causes and corrections of common perspective and parallax errors when photographing a scene from eye level versus an elevated position
Demonstrate the use of a forensic scale (ABFO-style L-shaped or straight scale) including placement in the same plane as the evidence and filling the frame appropriately
Identify sources of color cast from mixed lighting and explain white balance correction using a gray card or color reference target
Your checkpoint
A written lens-and-scale protocol of 800 to 1,000 words covering focal length selection, perspective control, scale placement rules, and white balance workflow, plus a checklist a photographer could carry to a scene
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Explain the photographic exposure triangle in the context of low-light crime scenes, including the trade-offs of raising ISO versus using a tripod and long exposure
Describe the correct use of electronic flash, fill flash, bounce flash, and painting with light, and identify the failure modes of each (harsh shadows, hot spots, falloff)
Explain how to photograph bloodstain patterns, latent impressions, and trace evidence at a scene while preserving scale, orientation, and lighting consistency
Outline the sequence of scene photography from overall to mid-range to close-up and explain why that order matters for later reconstruction
Your checkpoint
A 1,200-word scene-lighting and sequencing guide with a table of at least six lighting techniques, their use cases, and their known failure modes
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Describe the requirements for photographing footwear and tire impressions, including oblique lighting, scale placement, and the need for a perpendicular camera axis
Explain the technique for photographing latent fingerprints on non-porous and porous surfaces, including the lighting angle and the use of a scale and orientation marker
Identify the documentation chain for digital image files from capture through storage, including hashing, metadata, and original-file preservation
Summarize the legal and procedural expectations for image authenticity and chain of custody in forensic casework
Your checkpoint
A 1,000-word evidence-specific photography protocol covering impressions, latent prints, and digital image chain of custody, with a hashing and metadata checklist
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Explain the principles of photogrammetry and how overlapping photographs, known reference distances, and camera calibration enable measurement from images
Describe the use of 3D scene documentation methods such as laser scanning and structure-from-motion photogrammetry, and state their limitations
Compare the capabilities and constraints of alternate light sources, UV, and infrared imaging for evidence discovery
Explain how image enhancement techniques (contrast, sharpening, channel separation) are applied while preserving evidentiary integrity
Your checkpoint
A 1,200-word technical note on measurement and advanced imaging, including a comparison table of at least five techniques with stated limitations and a short worked example of photogrammetric measurement
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Describe the correct photographic documentation of a postmortem examination, including overall, injury close-up, and identification views
Explain how to photograph injuries on living subjects with attention to consent, privacy, and consistent lighting and scale
Identify the requirements for photographing a vehicle, including overall views, damage close-ups, VIN, and odometer
Explain how to photograph a fire scene, including overall views, origin area, burn patterns, and the effect of scene lighting on interpretation
Your checkpoint
A 1,000-word subject-specific documentation guide covering postmortem, living-subject, vehicle, and fire-scene photography, with a checklist of required views for each
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Explain how digital sensors record images, including bit depth, dynamic range, and the difference between raw and JPEG capture for evidentiary work
Describe the role of image metadata (EXIF), file formats, and compression in preserving or degrading evidentiary value
Explain the principles of photographic comparison and identification, including exemplar capture and matching criteria
Outline how to prepare a photographic exhibit and present images in a courtroom setting
Your checkpoint
A 1,200-word digital imaging and presentation guide covering sensor fundamentals, file handling, comparison methodology, and courtroom exhibit preparation
Forensic Photography & Imaging
Consolidate all prior notes into a single indexed study reference organized by the CFPH domain outline
Complete a timed 100-question practice set covering the full domain and review every missed item with a written rationale
Rehearse explanations of at least ten core techniques aloud to test recall under time pressure
Identify remaining weak subtopics and schedule targeted review before the exam
Your checkpoint
A consolidated indexed reference document plus a written error log of at least 25 reviewed practice questions with corrected rationales and a final weak-area action list
Milestones
Week 2: You can describe exposure, metering, focal length, perspective, scale placement, and white balance without notes, and your reference document covers every subtopic in the first third of the domain outline
Week 4: You can explain the overall-to-close-up scene sequence, evidence-specific lighting, and digital chain of custody, and you score at least 70 percent on a 40-question self-test drawn from weeks 1 to 4
Week 6: You can describe photogrammetry, 3D documentation, alternate light sources, and subject-specific documentation protocols, and your notes include comparison tables with stated limitations for each technique
Week 8: You score at least 80 percent on a timed 100-question practice set, your error log is complete with rationales, and your consolidated reference is indexed and ready for final review