An imaging apparatus comprises a camera, 20, and a housing, 10, in which is contained a support, 24, for a lifted fingermark (fingerprint, palm print, footprint, lift), spaced from the camera. A first light source, 22, is positioned on the same side of the support as the camera, such that when a fingermark, 30, is located in the support, light from the source may be reflected from the fingerprint into the camera. A light absorbent material (e.g. black velvet), 28, is placed beneath the support to improve the contrast of this image. A second light source, 26, is positioned on the opposite side of the support as the camera, such that when a fingermark is located in the support, light from the second light source may be transmitted through the fingermark into the camera. The housing may be divided into two compartments, 12, 14, with the support situated between the two compartments. The first and second light sources may be provided by separate light generators. The light absorbent material may be mounted on a movable member and its movement may expose the second light source.
