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Forensic Photographer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... photographs and collecting hash information - Assisting team members in imaging digital media - Assisting in gathering, accessing and assessing evidence from electronic devices using forensic tools ...

... photographs and collecting hash information - Assisting team members in imaging digital media - Assisting in gathering, accessing and assessing evidence from electronic devices using forensic tools ...

Record case notes, photographs, chain-of-custody forms, and electronic communications. Use eLab software for evidence inventory, tracking, and flow. Maintain proper chain-of-custody for all forensic ...

Utilize digital forensic principles and tools and possess working knowledge of tools and systems ... Provide courtroom testimony which includes the preparation of charts, photographs, and other ...

Utilize digital forensic principles and tools and possess working knowledge of tools and systems ... Provide courtroom testimony which includes the preparation of charts, photographs, and other ...

Use digital forensic principles and tools and knowledge of tools and systems used for identity ... Provide courtroom testimony which includes the preparation of charts, photographs, and other ...

Use digital forensic principles and tools and knowledge of tools and systems used for identity ... Provide courtroom testimony which includes the preparation of charts, photographs, and other ...

Forensic Photographer information

See Virginia salary details

$22

$26

$34

How much do forensic photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic photographer in Virginia is $26.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic photographer?

Forensic photographers are professionals who specialize in capturing photographic evidence at crime scenes or during investigations. Their primary role is to document crime scenes, injuries, physical evidence, and other relevant details accurately and impartially. These photographs are used by law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and courts to analyze and present evidence. Forensic photographers must have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of legal procedures to ensure their images are admissible in court.

What does a forensic photographer do?

As a forensic photographer, your job is to support the investigation of a crime scene by using photography to record evidence. Forensic photography has a purpose for each image and aims to disturb the scene as little as possible—such disturbances can taint the evidence and make it inadmissible in court. In this role, you may also talk with lawyers or investigators to help build a legal case and determine how (or if) the law was broken. To support the neutrality of evidence, forensic photographs must include the subject, the scale of the image, and a reference object. This work occasionally involves adding a marker to the scene, such as a number or a ruler. Forensic photography is sometimes referred to as crime scene photography.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic photographer?

To thrive as a Forensic Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photography principles, meticulous attention to detail, and formal training in forensic procedures—often supported by a degree or certification in forensic science or photography. Familiarity with digital cameras, image processing software like Adobe Photoshop, and evidence management systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly with law enforcement personnel set outstanding professionals apart. These skills ensure that photographic evidence is captured accurately and reliably, supporting investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic photographers in the field?

Forensic photographers often encounter challenging conditions, such as working in low-light environments, adverse weather, or time-sensitive crime scenes. They must meticulously document evidence without contaminating the scene, requiring both technical skill and attention to detail. Collaboration with law enforcement and forensic teams is critical, as is maintaining chain of custody for photographic evidence to ensure its admissibility in court.

What is the difference between Forensic Photographer vs Crime Scene Photographer?

AspectForensic PhotographerCrime Scene Photographer
CredentialsOften requires law enforcement or forensic certifications, photography trainingTypically needs photography skills, sometimes law enforcement background
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic unitsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageUsed in criminal investigations, legal proceedingsPrimarily in law enforcement, media, or private investigations

Forensic photographers focus on capturing detailed, legally admissible images for criminal investigations, often working within forensic labs or law enforcement agencies. Crime scene photographers specialize in documenting physical evidence at crime scenes, often working outdoors or at various locations. While both roles require strong photography skills, forensic photographers typically have additional certifications related to forensic science, making their work more focused on legal standards and evidence preservation.

Are forensic photographers in demand?

Forensic photographers are in steady demand due to their specialized skills in capturing crime scene evidence, which is essential for investigations and court cases. Employment opportunities are often found with law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, and private firms, with a need for proficiency in camera equipment and documentation standards. The field is expected to grow as forensic science continues to expand.

Do forensic photographers get paid well?

Forensic photographers typically earn salaries that are competitive within law enforcement and forensic science fields, with median annual wages around $50,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized agencies can lead to higher pay. Overall, the compensation is generally considered adequate for technical roles requiring attention to detail and knowledge of photography and crime scene procedures.

What job categories do people searching Forensic Photographer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Photographer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Photographer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Photographer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Photographer jobs in VA?

For Forensic Photographer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Photographer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,069 per year, or $27 per hour.

Cyber Host Forensic Analyst II

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Job Description
Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cyber Host Forensic Analyst to support this critical customer mission.
Responsibilities:
- Acquiring/collecting computer artifacts (e.g., malware, user activity, link files, etc.) from systems in support of onsite engagements
- Assessing evidentiary value by triaging electronic devices- Correlating forensic findings with network events to further develop an intrusion narrative
- When available, collecting and documenting system state information (running processes, network connections, etc.) prior to imaging
- Performing incident triage from a forensic perspective to include determining scope, urgency and potential impact
- Tracking and documenting forensic analysis from initial involvement through final resolution
- Collecting, processing, preserving, analyzing and presenting computer related evidence
- Coordinating with others within the Government and with customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or other preliminary findings
- Conducting analysis of forensic images and other available evidence and drafting forensic write-ups for inclusion in reports and other written products
- Assisting in documenting and publishing Computer Network Defense guidance and reports on incident findings to appropriate constituencies
- Assisting in preliminary analysis by tracing an activity to its source and documenting findings for input into a forensic report
- Documenting original condition of digital and/or associated evidence by taking photographs and collecting hash information
- Assisting team members in imaging digital media
- Assisting in gathering, accessing and assessing evidence from electronic devices using forensic tools and knowledge of operating systems
- Using hashing algorithms to validate forensic images
- Working with mentor to identify and understand adversary TTPs- Assisting team members in analyzing the behaviors of malicious software
- Under direct guidance and coaching if needed, locating critical items in various file systems to aid more senior personnel in their analysis
- Performing analysis of log files from a variety of sources to identify possible threats to computer security
- Using leading edge technology and industry standard forensic tools and procedures to provide insight into the cause and effect of suspected cyber intrusions
- Following proper evidence handling procedures and chain of custody protocols
- Producing written reports documenting digital forensic findings
- Determining programs that have been executed, finding files that have been changed on disk and in memory
- Using timestamps and logs (host and network) to develop authoritative timelines of activity
- Finding evidence of deleted files and hidden data
- Identifying and documenting case relevant file-system artifacts (browser histories, account usage and USB histories, etc.)
- Creating forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic image) to use for data recovery and analysis
- Performing all-source research for similar or related network events or incidents.
Required Skills:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
- Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
- 2+ years of directly relevant experience in cyber forensic investigations using leading edge technologies and industry standard forensic tools
- Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic images)
- Able to write cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings
- Experience with the analysis and characterization of cyber attacks
- Experience with proper evidence handing procedures and chain of custody protocols
- Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages
- Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
- Knowledgeable in proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources
- Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations
Desired Skills:
- Experience with two or more of the following tools:--- EnCase--- FTK--- SIFT--- X-Ways--- Volatility--- WireShark--- Sleuth Kit/Autopsy--- Splunk--- Snort--- Other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, etc)
- Experience with conducting all-source research.
Required Education:
BS Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Systems Engineering or related degree. Two years of related work experience may be substituted for each year of degree level education.
Desired Certifications:
- GCFA, GCFE, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP
Arlington, VA
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($77,000-$163,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.