In yesterday’s post I talked about using a scanner to create digital photograms (see Digital Photograms). Today, in this short post I’ll just give some quick tips that you may find useful if you’re considering giving this technique a go yourself.

As with all scanning it really helps to keep the glass on the bed of your scanner as clean and dust free as possible but with your scanner open for extended periods of time while you arrange the objects you want to scan it’s inevitable that quite a bit of dust will make it onto the glass. To minimize the effect of this in your scanner software look out for a setting that controls the dust filter applied to your scans (this is often called a “Dust and Scratches Filter”) and make sure it’s turned on. If there are various settings for this filter also make sure you are using the most aggressive setting. Believe me, if you don’t, you will be in a world of pain trying to spot out every bit of (pin sharp) dust on your scan!

Obviously, once you have your objects arranged you most likely won’t be able to close your scanner lid but even if you can it’s better to cover your objects with cloth (black or white or even colored) - or, better still, experiment with different coverings for some really fascinating effects. I have successfully used brown paper, cardboard packaging, canvas and other stuff like that. The important thing is to experiment for yourself to find that personal look that you like. You can even try crumpling paper, newsprint etc. - anything really.

In your post processing don’t be afraid to let your contrast go to extremes - blocked shadows and burnt out highlights in combination with split toning effects can look really good. Of course, you could also keep your scans in color and play with way out color effects if you want. Photographic quality is not really what we’re looking for here.

Anyway, I hope this has piqued your interest to have a go for yourself. At the very least you will find it fun!