Photo Art using your Scanner

Author: J Black
Title: Photo Art Using Your Scanner
Category: Creative Photography
Copyright 2005

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Photo Art Using your Scanner

Photo or Scanner Art is a simple way to capture still life
images that can be turned into creative pieces of art to
decorate your home.

Many ordinary objects that would be difficult to photograph
are good candidates for photo art - in particular objects
where it is otherwise difficult to get a good, clear close-up
shot of your subject.

These include such items as...

Feathers
Fruit and vegetables
Shells
Flowers
Pine Cones

To name a few.

Various backgrounds can be created for your artwork including
the use of tissue paper, rice paper, velvet or any texture or
background that would add interest.

Before placing objects onto the scanner surface it is important
to protect it from scratches and accidental damage. I like to
use a sheet of acetate (OHP transparency is a good option).
Likewise any debris should be removed from the object and
also the glass which could ruin the finished image. It is
easier at this stage than to have to do a touch-up with your
editing software program later on.

Be careful not to touch the scanner glass as it can be easily
ruined by acids such as perspiration on fingertips, drink or
food coming into contact with it likewise do not scan anything
that is wet or damp.

I like to let my scanner warm up for at least half an hour to
ensure that I get the best quality scanned image.

Compose your composition away from the scanner and when you
are happy with your arrangement lay your objects carefully
onto the scanner surface. Now you are ready to scan your
masterpiece.

If you are using a background (instead of the scanner cover
as your background) it is better to remove the cover to
avoid accidental damage.

Light backgrounds can be created using

- Scanner Cover
- Tissue or Rice paper

To create a seamless Black background

- Make a black box at least 6 inches deep to sit on top of
your scanner. By having this depth you will ensure that it
is always out of focus. Black velvet makes a good liner but
be careful to remove any white specks that could show up in
the final image with a small piece of sticky cellotape.

Start scanning at a lower resolution because of the memory
required and increase until you have the result you require.

Save your images onto computer ready for printing.

To print your images, use a good quality plain paper, glossy
paper or textured board.

If you use a textured board paper this can be sealed using
a decoupage medium to give the appearance of a textured
canvas. This is especially good for still life arrangements.
To give an aged appearance to your art use a crackle medium.

Copyright 2005. J Black.

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