Photo Scanner Magic in Ten Easy Steps

The Scanner is Your New Camera!

Use your Photo Scanner, with existing software, to create Scanner Magic! This no-camera photography is easy to learn. You will create close-up (macro) photography easier than ever. Before you start, be sure to read the basics in Things to Know First.

If you don't have a flatbed scanner . . . get advice on how to 'buy a scanner' for Scanner Magic, see The best Photo Scanner.

Macro Photography with flatbed Scanner, African daisy from my yard

Now, Let's Get Started

Step 1) Turn your flatbed scanner on. (If it's new, make sure you have installed the software and read basic instructions.) It may take a little while to warm up, this is normal. Warmer is better.

Step 2) Before you begin your "scanography", CLEAN the glass of your scanner with a lint free cloth. Paper towels are not lint free; and do not use regular window cleaner.

Clean the scanner bed before and after every scan. Dust, pollen and even tiny hairs show up in close-up (macro) photography -- and that's what you're creating. IMPORTANT NOTE: Read 'Scanner Cleaning'

Step 3) Leave the top up. Carefully place your subject face down, on the glass of the photo scanner. Use anything that fits within the parameters of the flatbed's dimensions. Try to keep smudges off the glass. Yes, they will show up.

Consider this learning stage as practice don’t spend a lot of time being creative
Try a leaf, a flower, even your dog's toy will work
Avoid anything with sharp edges that may scratch the glass
Remember, place items to scan face down
The “camera” is looking up
Leave the scanner top up

Step 4) Go to your photo scanner software location. (I keep mine on my desktop so I can find it easily. My icon reads Epson Smart Panel). Read the brief but specific instructions to Scan and Save.

Keep things basic for now, go to 'PHOTO' section,use AUTO MODE.

Don't get nervous, this is not complicated. Scanner photography is not much different than scanning a document. The old saying -"so easy a child can do it" - applies here.

Quite often just using a scanner with the top up gives you the black background you're looking for, because of the limited Depth of Field. However, ambient light can interfere. For best results turn off any lights in the room.

If you continue to have a problem see the Scanner Tips page.

Step 5) Hit Scan. Then scan the same item several more times in different positions. Preview views let you see what your scans look like. Keep scanning, you can always delete them.

At this point you have NOT saved your images, however . . .

Congratulations, you have just created your first Scanner Magic!

. . . it doesn't end here. There is still some very important information on this page, so continue with Step 6.

Step 6) Before you Save, name your photo scanner images. This is important. Eventually you will have a huge file. If images are only numbered, you will have no idea where anything is.

Voice of experience speaking here!

Develop a simple system. For example, if you are taking pictures of different colored leaves, use something like:

1. leaf yelw1 ... 2. leaf yelw2 ... 3. leaf grn1

Use whatever names will jog your memory.

Step 7) Save all your photo scanner images in a new folder, separate from your 'real camera' photos. This will simplify finding them even better.

Step 8) Once scanned, saved and placed in a folder, open your new pictures. Think you're ready to print a copy? Slow down.

Step 9) Review your Scanner Photography carefully. Do any of your images look distorted or strange? I call these Oops, technically they are called posterization. Can you see dust, pollen or other uglies?

Step 10) Final step: To resolve problems, clean up pictures and get them ready to print, click here to read the important details on photo fixers for Oops and Uglies.

The Scanner Tips page has lots of scanning ideas including how to change background colors. If you haven't read it, go to Scanner Tips now.

Macro Photography Tip: Review your scanner images in a very large view in your photo editor. This way you will see all of the uglies. If you don’t catch them now, these uglies will often show up in your prints.

This page covered lots of Scanner Magic details, want to read it one more time? Go to Top of Page

Ready for More?

Want to learn more about Scanner Magic? Did you find these instructions too basic?

Do you know Photoshop? Click here to see more advanced scanner photography instructions from the professionals!

Save this page so you know where to find it!

Leave Ten Easy Steps and Return to Home Page.

footer for Photo Scanner page