Roger Knight: From Forensic Photography to Drone Imagery

Roger Knight’s journey into photography is anything but ordinary. With a 43-year career in Victoria Police, he’s seen and captured the darkest corners of human nature through his lens. But the unexpected path from forensic science to artistic expression truly defines his remarkable story.

Bus at Dusk

A Long Career in Policing and Forensic Photography

Roger spent 15 years in the State Forensic Science Laboratory's Photographic Section, documenting the grim realities of serious crime. His work included photographing crime scenes and even the aftermath of disasters like bushfires and aircraft accidents. These were not just photographs; they were evidence for the courts. It was a world of harsh details and unflinching truth.

Alongside this intense role, Roger balanced his passion for photography with wedding shoots on weekends. The contrast between documenting crime scenes and the joy of a wedding was striking. Crime scene work demanded technical precision, while wedding photography allowed Roger to unleash his creativity.

Viewing Deck

As his career progressed, Roger became the Senior Sergeant in charge of the photographic unit. But the emotional toll of his forensic work led to a shift. After years in the unit, Roger moved on to general policing. The joy he once found in photography faded, and when he left the forensic unit, he sold his equipment, determined not to pick up a camera again.

Five years later, Roger’s niece asked him to photograph her wedding. Reluctantly, he agreed. Borrowing equipment, he found the spark of joy in photography once more. Slowly, he rediscovered his love for the craft.

A New Beginning: Combining Photography with Drones

In 2015, Roger retired from the police force unexpectedly, due to PTSD. With his plans for the future being thrown into disarray, Roger decided to combine his passion for photography with a newfound interest in drones. He became a qualified drone pilot and earned his RPA Operator’s Certificate, which allowed him to take his photography to new heights—literally.

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Roger’s drone work soon evolved into a business, capturing the heavy lift and loads industry. He began documenting large-scale projects, providing an aerial perspective of operations from start to finish. His work includes everything from time-lapse photography to ground-based shots and even night flight photography, capturing moments that most people would never see.

A Passion Reignited: The Art of Photography Today

Today, Roger is more passionate about photography than ever before. His love for panoramic photography has given him a wider perspective. Panoramas allow him to capture scenes the way the human eye sees them, giving his images a more immersive and dramatic feel. Roger has also found a renewed appreciation for natural light. He avoids using flash, preferring to work with available light to capture reality in its truest form. His work is spontaneous, testing his ability to think quickly, adapt, and use his imagination to get the perfect shot.

Roger's journey has been anything but ordinary from crime scenes to weddings, forensic photography to drone-based aerial shots. What began as a job capturing the details of some of life’s most tragic moments has transformed into a creative pursuit that blends technology, imagination, and artistry. And it’s clear that for Roger, photography will always be more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong passion.