Forensic Training Academies

The students were instructed in Adobe Photoshop and iDs. The students learned about file types and formats, and the benefits of working with RAW images. The students were also instructed in both workflow and image processing with the Adobe RAW converter and Adobe Bridge.  We also did a lot of hands-on image processing using all of the following techniques:

• levels
• curves
• masks
• black and white adjustments
• adjustment layers
• blending modes
• selections
• sharpening techniques
• changing color formats
• channels
• shadows
• highlights
• calculations
• iDs easy buttons
• dodge
• burn
• image rotation
• rulers
• noise removal
• image calibration
• color subtraction
• multiple crops
• text, lines, and arrows

Of huge importance, we covered some tools that should not be used in latent print work including the healing brush tool and clone stamp tool.  The students received their first in-depth opportunity at on-screen comparisons, and were allowed to use the software of their choice.