What is Scanner Art (Scanography)?

My Post (14).jpg

Learn all about Scanner Art (Scanography)

This blog will be divided into two areas:

  1. The meaning of Scanner Art (Scanography)

  2. Scanner Art (Scanography) process


  1. The meaning of Scanner Art (Scanography)

I have mentioned both scanner Art & Scanography, and these mean:

  1. Scanography is a technique that uses a flatbread scanner to create photography.

  2. Scanner Art Is referred to as scanner photography, as this is a process of capturing digitized images of objects for the purpose of creating printable art by using a flatbed "photo" scanner

Scanner Artist - Abel Werner

Scanography photographer - Stewart Nelson

Scanography photographer - Stewart Nelson

Historically this process was called - Xerox art.

The process of creating art with a scanner can be as simple as arranging objects on the scanner and capturing the resulting image; in fact, some early artists in the field worked with photocopiers to capture and print in a single step, resulting in the field of Xerox art.

Pati Hill: Photocopier, A Survey of Prints and Books (1974–83)

Pati Hill: Photocopier, A Survey of Prints and Books (1974–83)


2. Scanner Art (Scanography) process

This is a fun and simple process to play with

Scanography: Cameraless Pictures With Your Scanner

  1. Set Up Your Scanner. Open the scanner's properties (usually in devices and printers)

  2. Set Up Your Image. If you want a different background to your picture than the plain scanner one, you can stick your own on with Blu Tack.

  3. Get Arty. Play around with different objects, materials, water, or paint & try moving as the scanner moves. You can also play with your own face, head, arms, or hands.

I have played around with this blog to show some simple things that you can try at home.

Example - used common objects and a blue background

Example - used common objects and a blue background

Example of common objects and a material background

Example of common objects and a material background

The next examples are combined images, where I have layered multiple images together to form a single image.

Single set of objects podsitioned to the left bottom corner

Single set of objects podsitioned to the left bottom corner

Repeated images to form a pattern

Repeated images to form a pattern

These images are combined in Photoshop to form each of these images below

October2020 10-Edit.jpg
October2020 14-Edit.jpg

Here are some examples of when I moved the items while the scanner moved.

October2020 24-Edit.jpg
October2020 25.jpg

In this blog, we explore the fascinating world of Scanner Art, also known as Scanography, a creative technique that uses a flatbed scanner to produce unique, high-resolution images without the use of a traditional camera.

Get Inspired!

This blog encourages you to try scanography at home as part of your creative exploration. Stay tuned for the next blog on the Brenizer Method Photography!

Bonus: Check out the featured YouTube video for a hands-on tutorial.

Let me know if you'd like any changes or additions!


Ready to Create Your Own Scanner Art?

Why not give Scanography a try and discover a whole new way to express your creativity? Whether you’re using everyday objects or experimenting with textures and movement, the possibilities are endless!

Share Your Creations: I’d love to see what you come up with, tag me in your posts or drop a comment below with your favourite scanography experiments.

Got Questions? Curious about techniques or looking for tips? Let’s chat in the comments!

Stay Inspired: Don’t forget to subscribe for updates and check out the next blog on the Brenizer Method Photography, perfect for adding another creative tool to your photography toolkit!

  • Take Your Skills Further: Ready to level up? Explore my one-to-one personalized tutorials and transform your food photography.

  • Book a Session: Need professional shots for your brand? Let’s collaborate on your next food photography project!

GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO START YOUR JOURNEY!

Previous
Previous

The Brenzier Method and How To Get The Look

Next
Next

Take A Fixed Panning Photograph