Scanned “photos”
Since everyone else is doing it, I decided to give scanned photos a try. Nothing about this image is natural. The nest and eggs were bought some time ago and have been collecting dust on a table. The black background is a jacket of mine thrown over the nest. Even calling this image a photograph seems unnatural to me.
Is this a photograph? Is there any art in it? Of course, people asked those very same questions about photography when photographs were first produced. “It’s not art,” they protested. “Painters create art. Photographers are merely journalists.” Few of us still believe that, but I admit that’s my first impression of scanner “art.”
No doubt the complexities of arrangements and the skill with which others use the scanner will disabuse me of this impression. In any case, it’ll be fun to experiment with a new, easy-to-try method of photography.
Serrano peppers
The eggs and nest scan is just amazing! Great colors and detail. How did you manage to keep them from rolling around? Wonderful scan and comment on art, ART.
One word: glue. The eggs are glued into the nest. That detail makes it seem even less like art, doesn’t it? —Pam
My first thoughts, too, were ‘How clinical.’
But you chose what to put on the scanner bed. You arranged them. You chose the settings. I think part of the problem is the ‘wow’ factor. You think, ‘That was easy and it looks pretty darn good.’
Nothing wrong with that. But I really do think that artistic skill is involved in doing this well. I hope to get better at it as I get more experience. But I have a pretty low ceiling when it comes to artistic talent and I expect to hit it pretty quickly. I’ll still be awed by the artists who can take this technique to the next level.
My best effort so far is here: http://www.remarc.com/craig/?p=105
Having played around with it a while longer last night, Craig, I’m starting to see where the art comes in. Getting good results with objects that are not already artfully glued together (see above) is tricky. As I expected, I’m developing a deeper respect for those who can use the scanner artistically. —Pam
Pam, that scan is amazing! It looks just like a photograph.
The scans sometimes look even more lifelike than photographs. —Pam
I agree with Craig that it can be art, but I really don’t want to call it a photograph. Even digital image makes it sound like it came from a digital camera. We need a word that will convey what instrument/tool/vehicle was used to create the image. Shall we try scanograph?
That sounds good to me. —Pam
Love the eggs. Great texture, great composition. Art is always about the quality of the idea and the quality of the execution. It’s never about technology. Except that the best technology is the one that creates the best result with the least effort.
Thanks for commenting, Bill. “Art is never about technology,” you said. But isn’t interpretation essential to art? And does the scanner allow for artistic interpretation? Or does it just record faithfully what you stick on the scanner?
OK, so I’m playing devil’s advocate here. I do see that artistic ability is involved. Some people’s scanned images are much more artistic than others’ in terms of composition. There is art in there. —Pam
I tried some yesterday-turns out great for capturing detail of tiny flowers and leaves, textures on pods etc.see http://caribbeangarden.blogspot.com/ I agree with others-its fun but you have to experiment a bit.
Thanks for visiting and for sharing your scanographs too. —Pam
I think the scanned images are really interesting – I haven’t tried it yet, but need to. They almost looked like pressed flower arrangements, which I have never liked all that much – so I’m not sure what it is about the scanned images that I like, but I do like them. (PS I read the more recent post on your favorite nursery, and WOW! What a great place. Oh – and my first antique rose I purchased in Brenham – and I carried it on my lap on the plane back to South Carolina. It was ‘Silver Moon’ – a crazy, robust, dangerous plant that is just start to bloom now in my yard).
I like the idea of you carrying ‘Silver Moon’ home on the plane. Only a gardener, right? —Pam