[The problem of highlights in forensic photography]

A problem of forensic photography, especially when using direct flashlight, is the appearance of highlights on wet or shiny surfaces because of light reflections. Highlights can cause considerable difficulties if they interfere with relevant findings, because in a flare image information is reduced. Forensic literature describes several procedures to prevent the formation of highlights, which we compared to each other using flashlight in order to find the most effective and practicable method for reducing reflections. First, bounce flash photography can completely prevent flashlight flares on shiny surfaces such as putrefied bodies. Second, powdering such surfaces with rice powder can eliminate disruptive flares even when using direct flashlight but causes visible artefacts when using higher magnifications. As our study showed, bounce flash photography is an easy way to reduce highlights on photographs without the application of complex techniques or methods that may even alter relevant findings.