What type of lighting technique helps to reveal details by creating shadows?

Oblique lighting is particularly effective in revealing details at a crime scene because it creates shadows that can enhance the visibility of textures, shapes, and other features on surfaces. When light is directed at an angle rather than directly overhead or simply focused on an area, it illuminates the contours of objects, allowing investigators to see features that might otherwise go unnoticed. This technique is often used to enhance the visibility of footprints, tire marks, or any irregularities on surfaces, which can be crucial for gathering evidence.

Backlighting involves shining light from behind a subject towards the camera, which can create silhouettes but does not typically enhance surface details. Diffused lighting spreads light evenly across an area and minimizes shadows, which can help in some situations but does not reveal textures or details as sharply as oblique lighting. Spot lighting focuses light on a specific area but can also fail to provide the same depth of detail as the angled approach used in oblique lighting. Thus, oblique lighting stands out as the most effective technique for revealing critical details through shadow creation.