Lightning Bio-Foam Impression Kit, 4-1120

Bio-Foam Impression Kit

BIO-FOAM Impression Foam offers a method of obtaining a three-dimensional exemplar of the known footwear. Using the BIO-FOAM Impression Kit is easy, takes only seconds, and does not get the footwear dirty. Each BIO-FOAM Impression Kit comes in a cardboard container which is suitable for storage and will protect the impression while it is in the evidence storage room. The foam is blue in color and measures 14" x 6" x 2 1/4".

Application:

Photographic Scales:

The camera used should be placed on a tripod, which will allow the film plane to be parallel with the surface containing the evidence impression. Some impression evidence examiners prefer black and white photographs over color photographs, as they feel the range of grays with black and white film shows the details better than color films. Illumination of the impression should be done at an oblique angle from a number of directions. In other words, hold the strobe at an oblique angle to the left of the print and take a picture. Take additional exposures with the strobe held at an oblique angle to the right, to the top and to the bottom of the impressions. If added details can be seen by holding the light in other directions, take additional pictures.

With photography of this nature, scales should be included in the photograph. The Bureau photomacrographic scale set was designed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for this particular purpose. The "L" shaped scale and straight scale are white with black marks on one side and black with white marks on the other. Choose the side that will show the best contrast with the surface and place it close to, but not overlapping, the evidence impression. A larger, 3-Part, folding scale which is handy for tire track impressions is also available. The advantage of an "L" shaped scale is that if the scale divisions on each leg of the scale are not equal in the photograph or if the circles with cross hairs are not absolutely round, you will know that the camera was not parallel to the impression. If the angle of error is not severe, it can be corrected in the darkroom. Tilt the paper carrier to bring the "L" shaped scale back to parallel perspective.