ABSTRACT: Forensic photography is essential for the documentation of evidence of torture. Consent of the alleged victim should be sought in all cases. The article gives information about when and how to take pictures of what as well as image authentication, audit trail, storage, faulty pictures and the kind of camera to use.
Keywords: Istanbul Protocol, forensic photography, torture, camera technology, photo identification

Paragraph 106 of the Istanbul protocol stipulates that during the procedures of a torture investigation “colour photographs should be taken of the injuries of persons alleging that they have been tortured, of the premises where torture has allegedly occurred (interior and exterior) and of any physical evidence found there”.

The photographic documentation of evidence for the presentation of an argument in a court of law is forensic photography. Forensic photography is essential for documentation of physical evidence and it is essential that the pictures are taken and handled in a correct way.