To some, the use of a scanner to make photographs, especially flowers, may seems a bit sacrilegious. But for shear simplicity, ease and effectiveness, there are few better uses to put your scanner.

The ability for the scanner to provide a soft and flattering light, a depth of field that is quite surprising and a simple descriptiveness for the subject will allow the beauty of the flower to shine through.

Here’s my method for getting the job done.

I use a standard A4 scanner; nothing flash. In the scanner software, set the resolution at the highest setting (mine is set at 600 ppi) and scan for colour photo.

Before you start, clean the glass. Any spot of dust will show up like a star on a clear night.

Arrange the flower on the bed. Keep in mind that the good bits need to face down. Use a gentle touch so as not to flatten the flower against the glass too much.

Instead of using the scanner lid, which would flatten everything, I have constructed a box from artists black matt board with the black inside. This will fit neatly over the scanning bed. You can use a white interior if you want a white background for the flowers (or any other colour for that matter).

Place the box over the bed and scan away.

I find the images will need minimal post-processing. Just a little levels adjustment and some dodging and burning. But this isn’t to say you can’t post-process to your heart’s content. After all, it’s your photo.

I especially like the effect the scanner gives dead flowers. There’s a stillness and serenity not easily achieved otherwise.

And don’t stop at flowers. Anything goes. Why, I’ve even seen the odd anatomical representation emailed around the office from the more adventurous scanners among us.

But please, nothing like that on LightStalking. And don’t try it with the cat.

This is a guest tutorial from Light Stalking community member and professional photographer and teacher, Tom Dinning. Check out Tom’s photography website and his blog for some great photos and tutorials.

Get Photography Case Studies (It's Free)

We deliver tutorials, case studies and news.

Best Email:

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post