On March 12, 2026, Level 1 Digital Media students were given a unique, hands-on opportunity to step into the world of forensic photography and explore what it’s like to document a crime scene investigation. They were joined by Gabriella Vizcaino and Damaris Cortez from the Hemet Police Department, who transformed the classrooms into a simulated crime scene. This immersive experience allowed students to see firsthand how photography plays a critical role in real-world law enforcement and evidence collection.
The setup included carefully placed pieces of evidence, realistic blood smears and splatters, mock weapons, and fingerprint clues, all designed to mirror the complexity and detail of an actual investigation. This interactive environment gave students a deeper understanding of the precision and attention to detail required in forensic documentation.
Using the skills they’ve developed throughout their first year in the program, students captured a series of photographs intended to document the scene accurately and thoroughly. This exercise challenged them to think critically about composition, lighting, and clarity, key elements in producing images that could be used in real-world investigative work.