March 11-13, 2008
$1,045 for all applications with payment received no later than February 11
$1,155 for all applications with payment received February 12 - March 5
Applications submitted between March 6 and 12:00 pm (noon) ET on March 10 will be accepted with payment of a $50 late registration fee.

September 9-11 , 2008
$1,045 for all applications with payment received no later than August 9
$1,155 for all applications with payment received August 10 - September 3
Applications submitted between September 4 and 12:00 pm (noon) ET on September 8 will be accepted with payment of a $50 late registration fee.

March 11-13, 2008
September 9-11 , 2008

• Digital photography – how a digital image is formed, processed and stored; digital vs. analog imaging; adjusting resolution & file sizes for particular purposes
• Camera usage and care – holding, focusing, light metering, batteries, moisture and cleaning
• Elements of exposure – shutter speeds, lens apertures, depth-of-field and exposure vs. noise
• Lighting – sources and techniques
• Close-up and macro-photography – use of flash, filtration and polarization
• Troubleshooting – Resolving frequently encountered difficulties
• Photographer safety and camera care
• Digital imaging media, techniques and cautions

• Maximize the benefits of digital imaging
• Improve images by understanding the elements of exposure
• Get the most out of the camera’s macro-capabilities
• Perform the most complete artifact documentation under any circumstances
• Preserve photographic equipment by learning to care for it under all conditions

• Project environment – preparing for assignments under any conditions
• Documenting the scene – protocols for documentation and storage of images of any site
• Size, color and positional references – GPS capabilities and animation
• Storytelling – capturing images to maximize informational content; point of view, angle of view; use of alternative lighting and image capture
• Quantitative scene data – virtual reality, photomontage, perspective grids and vanishing points to photogrammetry and reverse photogrammetry
• Authenticity – ensuring image authenticity through use of specific procedures
• Photo Reality – taking advantage of contrast, perspective, proper lens focal length, 2D vs. 3D dimensionality and color reproduction
• Exercise: Documentation of simulated aircraft accident site

• Record accurate and useful investigative images and minimize photographic distortions by employing techniques demonstrated in the course
• Obtain images of an accident site so that the scene may be recreated as necessary
• Use the elements of contrast, perspective, dimensionality and color reproduction to optimize photo-reality
• Capture images using specified protocols to ensure authenticity, accuracy and admissibility

• Workflow process – from image capture to archival storage
• Scanning – converting traditional prints into digital images
• File types – determining optimal file formats for various image types and usages
• Image size – Guidelines for best file sizes for a range of storage and electronic transmission considerations
• Compression – balancing the benefits and drawbacks of various modes of image compression
• Image Correction – using imaging programs to correct for deficiencies in overall image quality:

  Enhancing detail

  Adjusting luminosity

  Cropping out distracting/irrelevant elements

  Correcting distorted color

  Improving contrast

• Authenticity protocols – practices and procedures to ensure that the integrity and accuracy of the documentary digital image is not compromised at any point in the workflow process

• Discuss the elements that affect image quality when scanning various types of media into a digital format
• Select the best image file formats for a variety of situations
• Determine the appropriate image file sizes for:

  E-mail

  Display on computer monitors

  Archival or documentary use

  Print or publishing

• Compress images for data transfer in a variety of formats 
• Employ the range of software tools available to enhance and correct documentary images
• Avoid mistakes that could compromise the authenticity of a documentary digital image.

• NTSB investigators
• Federal, state & local investigators, including those outside the field of transportation, who may have a need to photographically document the site of an accident/incident or understand the process
• Potential participants in an NTSB investigation
• Others who would like to build or enhance photographic documentation skills

Email TrainingCenter@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900

Courses, forums and symposia are added to the schedule throughout the year.  Subscribe to the e-newsletter to learn about upcoming events and new programs: http://www.ntsb.gov/TC/list/list.htm