What is one of the most crucial aspects of fire investigation photography?

Proper lighting is a critical component of fire investigation photography because it directly affects the clarity, detail, and overall quality of the images captured. Adequate lighting helps to illuminate key features of the fire scene, such as points of origin, burn patterns, and other critical evidence that can be essential for analysis. Poor lighting can obscure important details, making it difficult for investigators to assess the scene thoroughly and accurately document their findings.

While different camera angles and high-resolution equipment can enhance the quality of photographs, they don't address the fundamental need for visibility, which proper lighting directly provides. Use of flash only can also be limiting, as it may not adequately light larger scenes and can create harsh shadows or reflections that obscure important details. Therefore, ensuring that the investigation scene is well-lit is crucial for capturing useful and informative images that aid in the investigation process.