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📸 Frequently Asked Questions — Legal Photography Services

 

Q: Are your photographs admissible in court?

A: Yes. We follow both Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) and the Florida Evidence  Code (FEC). 

• FRE Rule 1002 and Florida Statute § 90.952: Original image required unless an exception applies.

• FRE Rule 1003 and § 90.953: Duplicates accepted if authenticity isn’t challenged.

• Each file includes embedded metadata and a Chain of Custody (CoC) form.

 

Q: What is the “Best Evidence Rule” and how does it apply to photography?

A: Courts require original photographs when content is disputed.

• FRE Rule 1002 / § 90.952: Original must be presented.

• FRE Rule 1004 / § 90.954: Secondary evidence may be admitted if the original was lost or unavailable without bad faith.

 

Q: How do you authenticate photographs for legal use?

​A: A photo is authenticated when a witness confirms it accurately reflects the scene.

• FRE Rule 901 / § 90.901 govern admissibility.

• Metadata reports and sworn affidavits support legal authentication.

 

Q: What qualifies a digital photograph as an “original”?

​A: The courts define what is an original and we follow those standards.

• FRE Rule 1001(3) defines an “original” as a digital image accurately reflecting stored data.

• Florida courts accept printed images if faithfully reproduced from secure digital sources.

 

Q: Do you provide chain-of-custody documentation?

​A: Yes. Every image set includes:

• Signed Chain of Custody Form listing evidence handlers, timestamps, and context.

• Supports admissibility in both federal and state courts.

 

Q: Can photographs be used in criminal cases?

A: Yes.

• Florida Statute § 90.91 allows photos of wrongfully taken property to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings.

 

Q: What if the photograph has been altered or enhanced?

​A: Enhancement goes no further than improving the clarity  and quality of the picture using photoshop.

• Admissibility depends on fair and accurate representation.

• “Pictorial Testimony” theory: A witness confirms the scene was accurately depicted.

• We provide full documentation to support image reliability.

 

Q: Are your services compliant with Florida’s summary and public record rules?

​A: Absolutely.

• § 90.956 permits summaries of voluminous evidence with source access.

• We prepare visual exhibits and maintain full original access for inspection.

 

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