White Peony

I was recently grilled at a group photography show as to my

equipment, lighting, lens, filters, ect... When I told them that I

use a scanner, everybody practically called me a cheater. I look at

a scanner as just another camera. What do you think?

I wouldn't call you a "cheater" for using this technique, and I'm curious as to the substance of the accusations. What, exactly, was their problem?

To me, this is more "photographic" than an image that's had actual content added/deleted via Photoshop. Be interesting to see where this technique of yours leads.

If it works, use it. The scanner is limited as to what it can scan, obviously. Also, the lighting is limited to a set appearance, if you don't like, not much of a way to change it.

 

As to "cheating"- I recall darkroom people making contact prints of leaves, etc., is that "cheating"? Some of the panoramic cameras have a slit that pans across the negative wiping the picture on; that's basically what a scanner is doing to the items placed on it.

 

At one time, I had a fairly neat picture made by piling all our Beanie Babies face down on the scanner, but it seems to be gone now. : (

Ellen, the only way you can cheat is to steal someone's image. Who cares if it's a Hassy,a shoe box with a pin hole or a holga? The final image is what counts!!! If you enjoy working with a particular tool then use it. Consentrate on the final image,and use any tool you like.

I'v done quite alot of scanner photos myself I like to call them "scanographs". Ihave one posted in my folder called "Trio".To lots of friends It's their fav of my work. Also you can do some light control,painting with a small penlight. Keep at it and worry about the image not how it's made. Good luck.

Nicely balanced. Beautiful.