Potential of Scanography

Scanography is the process of capturing digitized images of a subject using a scanner, which could be in the form of a flatbed, handheld, or double sided scanner. In my opinion, this artistic process creates a depth within the image that cannot be captured using another medium. Certain kinds of scanners can also limit or increase the potential of what kind of objects it can capture. The objects on the scan bed have a light that is shined on them, and reflected on another surface to create an image. The harshness of the light source creates a drop shadow around the object, and typically darkens the background, which creates depth. The prolonged light source also lends the opportunity for long exposure techniques also used in digital photography.
Scanography shows a lot of potential in terms of how the subject can be captured and presented. For example, if someone was capturing flowers, they could either show them pressed on a flatbed or shown in an environment with a handheld scanner. The artist can also choose to have more or less objects also shown in their work. When using a flatbed scanner, one can use movement to show parts of object throughout their piece. Since the subject is being captured digitally, this lends a lot of possibilities for presentation. One can simply print their work, show it digitally, or apply the effects of the scanner to other art mediums. Realizing these potentials can also be applied to art making in a classroom. Teachers could utilize the process of scanography to enhance lighting, composition, and critiquing skills because of the flexibility of the medium.