BTEC Materials, techniques and processes - Flatbed scanners and photo-copiers as a camera.

Flatbed scanners as a camera

Something that many people over-look is the potential to use flatbed scanners as a means to create images. See the two links below for examples...

http://katerinajebb.tumblr.com/
http://www.simonwardphoto.com/

Scanners produce good quality images at quite high resolutions, with a unique feeling of their own. Ideally suited to flat-copying, but they do have the potential to create renditions of 3D objects too. In addition because of the way that images are scanned by a slow moving capture system, there's loads of scope to play around with movement in conjunction with the images, creating potentially very creative outcomes.

• Normally associated with 'Art' applications in photography, rather than commissioned photography.
• Can be used adapt other types of photography for instance Pinhole photography produced on photographic print paper on small scale can be scanned at high resolutions and therefore digitized and scaled up.

Disadvantages

• Lack of mobility, need mains supply.
• Limited in their ability to render and record 3D objects
• Requires expensive software packages such as Photoshop to work with at post production stages.
• Limited to A4 capture size although A3 scanners do exist.

*Note - The photo-copy machines at college have a scanning function via the menu. Select the 'Scanning' option and click the 'email' option as well as the resolution and colour settings. Also choose what type of file type you want your scan to be sent to you as. I would generally opt for a TIFF file. Once your scan has been made, you'll be sent a digital file to your college email address.