I have been retouching since Photoshop came out and have just started investigating the forensic idea (using Photoshop). I have George Reis’s book ordered. But, how would I look for this trpe of work? ( I am not in law enforcement). Or, how would I advertise my digital services?

hello Sonny

not a direct answer to the question u posted --but none the les one that may be of interest to you.
i work in the field of forensic research (investigation) in South Australia.
in the work i have encountered a problem which u may be able to assist me with.
it involves editing using photoshop --where information contained in scanned photograph prints --procesed in 1994-- has been revealed.
the obvious intention in 1994 being to withhold this information by alteration of the photographs.
if you would liketo assist me please contact.

robert

Sonny,

Since you're just starting out, I'd suggest the old standby of industry networking. Here is a good list from Richard McEvoy's site:
http://forensicimaging.com/v1.3/memberships.html

Robert,

Please start a new thread for each topic.

thanks Doug --learning the ropes !!!

robert

Doug,

thanks so much, I have gotten great information here.

Sonny (Richard)

robert

thanks, very interested, let me know.

Sonny (Richard)

Sonny:

The first question is whether you want to do this work as a freelancer or by working for a police department. I worked for a police department for 15 years and now do my work privately, and my clients are mostly attorneys (civil, defelse and prosecutors).

To work at a police agency, networking through organizations such as the International Association for Identification is a great idea. Volunteering at a local police agency is also a good step. Keep searching for job announcements at all the agencies you would consider working for, and find out if their forensic photographer, forensic video analyst or crime scene investigator positions are civilian or police officer positions (many agencies still use police officers in specialty positions like this).

To work privately, you may want to consider going to a Seak conference (http://www.seak.com). They provide conferences throughout the US in expert witness businesses providing information about the business and court aspects rather than photography or analysis.

There are workshops all over in forensic imaging. The IAI usually has some workshops at their international and regional conferences. I teach throughout the US and in Canada, as do others. LEVA (www.leva.org) has some of the best training in forensic video analysis that I'm aware of.

Hopefully some of this is helpful. Feel free to follow-up here (or off-list) if you like.

George