AboutSteve Pearson Expertise Try me for 35mm or darkroom issues. I am a professional photographer in Australia. I work solely in 35mm digital format, after 35 years of colour and monochrome film in many formats. I have darkroom experience and for many years belonged to my local camera club. I conduct photography workshops around the state on any and most subjects relating to photography and often judge photography exhibitions and competitions.
Experience I hold a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation, with part of my studies involving photography. I spend most days with a camera and am into digital photography in a big way. I was given my first camera in 1965 and have not been without one since. I spent nearly 20 years as a forensic investigator with my state Police Force, and since retiring a couple of years ago have concentrated on commercial photography - especially weddings.
Expert: Steve Pearson Date: 3/21/2005 Subject: Can Forensic Images be thought of as Fine Art?
Question I am working on my BFA in photography and a minor in Criminal Justice. I am working towards a career in forensic photography. At the University I attend, we have to have a fine art senior show, and I am trying to combine both my interests. My idea is to create three stories, one of a double murder, one of a kidnapping, and one of a B&E. Each of these “stories” would have three suspects and the viewer would look at the evidence and try to figure out who committed the crime. The presentation would be two 20x30 corkboards with matte black frames and sliver stickpins would attach the images. The problem I am having is how to talk about/portray these images as fine art for those professors who don't quite see it. I feel that by presenting these images on traditional black and white paper, paying particular attention to the technical aspects of the images I would be taking a step closer to fine art. I need some guidance to help me help others understand how I feel about the topics of these photographs. Lexie Belles
Answer Lexie. Whilst I appreciate your trying to combine your interests I don't think you can do so. It's just a personal thing, but "murder is not art". As an 'expert' who gets lots of questions on photography and forensics I have a number of options to answer - many of them pre-formatted that are too blunt I'm afraid. One of them is "I don't do homework questions", another is "this question is too long and involved for me to help with" and another says "there is no question here". None of these really apply to your questions but they go close. Go ahead with your display but instead of 2 20x30 panels, use 3 20x16 panels (one for each topic) - it's called a triptych - to isolate each subject and balance it up. Sorry I can't be of more help. Steve
