This book is very practical. It actually walks you through the steps necessary to create finished images. After having read this book, you should be able to start making images and helping identify people!
The book is well researched, has excellent footnotes, references, color photos, techniques on 2d & 3d illustrations and great information on forensic sciences.
It is well worth the money.
Speaking on the art aspect alone, you will be educated on tools, styles, proportions, facial anatomy from the bone to the epidermis, the differences between male/female and racial/ancestral groups, hair and textures, and other references.
As for the forensic end of the spectrum, it not only covers the history and composition techniques, but it also touches on communicating with victims and memory enhancement for interviewing, courtroom etiquette and procedures, dealing with the media, post-mortem reanimation, and age progression for both aging and growth.
This book dominates the arena.
I have, in no way, mentioned all of the topics and information in this book. You will have to look at the sample pages here at Amazon to get a better grasp of what it holds. Then, you should buy this book to understand what all of the rage is about!...
Karen Taylor is the best in this field and she has collaborated a book as important and incredible as all of her contributions to criminal justice. I highly recommend this book to everyone with an interest art, composition, forensics, and justice for victims.
~Heatherly Kates