Scanner Tips for ScanographyThe basic scanner tips for successsful scanography are quite simple:
Scanner Tips for Backgrounds
FABRIC By draping the fabric directly over the subject, you will change the background color. I placed a piece of red velvet over this monstera flower. (This large flower is the full size of my scanner glass.) Not all fabrics have a good result. The detail of very textured cloth often shows up too much. Experiment. I was both surprised and pleased with this outcome. Sometimes it can rest on the subject. Other times you may have to hold it. Use anything from tissue to rice paper.
Control the LightQuite often 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. Be sure the bright light of the computer monitor is facing away from the scanner and be aware of light from windows (even in adjacent rooms). If you still have a problem, drape the scanner with dark fabric. The ambient light is eliminated and you will get the black background. A good fabric to use is one with a 'velvety' texture. Darkness is not what makes Scanner Magic work, it is what gives you sharply focused subjects with the rich black background. Patri Feher, an experienced scanographer, scans
plein aire
(outdoors)on her patio and has beautiful blue sky backgrounds!
BoxesAnother scanner tip to resolve the light problem is to use a box. Sometimes I use a cardboard box and just hold it in place.When using boxes, be sure they are deep enough that the bottom of the box does not become the background! Brown corrugation is not particularly attractive. If you are a frequent scanner, you may want to build a box to fit the exact size of your photo scanner bed.
Positioning Things to ScanRemember to place items "face down". At first this may be a little confusing. Just think of it as if the camera is looking up from inside the scanner.Placing soft items such as flowers may take some special adjusting. Scan and see how the petals are positioned. Then reposition if necessary. Sometimes an item will look best if it is not placed directly on the glass. (Hang them from a high point that will not show in the scan.) Make sure the subject itself is within the depth of field. I tried attaching items to fabric and inside boxes, but it was almost impossible to adjust them. Now, I have a small table (picked up at the flea market) that can straddle the scanner. I attach things to the underneath side of the table with string wire, tape and/or tacks. Items must reach very close to the glass (almost touching) in order for this to work. For some arranging ideas go to the
Scanner Photo Composition page.
Clean Your ScannerDust is insidious. Turn off your scanner and cover it when not in use. A dusty or dirty scanner will result in hours of digital darkroom cleanup.For what-to use and what-not-to-use see
Scanner Cleaning page.
Accidents Happen
Avoid sharp, heavy or pointed objects. Or at least be very careful if you do use them. They easily scratch your flatbed scanner glass. Scratches do show up on scans!
Unfortunately, I have a tiny pock mark on my glass. Fortunately, it's in a corner. (The result of a day I thought driftwood would make a great scan.) A simple
sheet of acetate
would probably have saved the glass.
Experiment!There are many ways to experiment with movement, light and backgrounds. The effects range from weird and strange - to stunning!Although I've chosen not to include them on this site, don't be surprised to find bizarre faces and other body parts on the internet. Play with your scanner, you may be surprised with your creative results.
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