Forensic age progression application in a morphological study of an Italian family: A case report

Processing a photo aimed at the aging of the person depicted is a delicate process. The technique performed in these cases, i.e. age progression, takes into consideration the physiognomic elements of the face and its variations over time. This study aims to deepen knowledge regarding the morphological similarities of the physiognomic traits found in two generations of an Italian family. Age progression is carried out on the two daughters to compare the result with their current appearance. Twelve photos were studied, depicting the members of an Italian family in close-up. Three photos of each member of the family were analysed, consisting of the father, mother, and two sisters (L. and E.). Facial features, such as shape of the face, eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth were evaluated at age 1, 7 and 30. In addition, age progression technique was applied. Through the analysis of the images, facial features are studied to find similarities, and the problems encountered in studying the photos are discussed. Furthermore, the age progressions are obtained, and they do not show 100% accuracy. This study represents an analysis of age progression technique and explains how the provision of photographic documentation of family members can be important.