Discover Your Creative Side With The Help Of A Flatbed Scanner

Most people are already familiar with using a flatbed scanner to scan images of documents and pictures. About ten years ago, this type of scanner was generally only used in professional settings. Today with lower cost and portability, they've become an affordable and convenient addition to many people's home office area.

What a lot of people may not realize is, this piece of mundane looking hardware is not only a tool for work and saving old photos. It's also a portal to an exciting world filled with endless possibilities. All you need is the scanner, a computer, a vision, and you're ready to create your masterpiece!

A lot of objects are easily scanned. If it fits on the glass and is relatively light, you can scan it! Obviously, the flatter the item (leaves, paper, fabrics, etc) the easier it will be to close the cover, but you don't have to limit yourself to one dimension. Placing a dark colored piece of material, such as a solid colored towel, velvet, satin, (any type of fabric) over three dimensional objects before scanning is an easy way to keep the light out. You can also leave the top open or remove it altogether to experiment with different lighting effects. It's completely up to you.

Be careful when putting/moving items around on the bed, as most beds are made from glass and are easily scratched or cracked. It's also a good idea to clean the bed with a lint free cloth to make sure it's cleared of fingerprints and dust because they will show up.

There is no right or wrong way to arrange the items you gather for your piece, but remember that the camera faces up. The items you place will need to be facing down in order for the camera to capture the front of your display. Don't be afraid to play around with placement and lighting. Just keep scanning until you find what you're looking for, or until what you're looking for finds you!

When you're finished scanning you may have the option of using a photo editing program to manipulate the images. You can create something even more unique with photo editing, or you may choose to ignore the programs and simply make use of your natural abilities and surroundings.

There are a number of ways to use movement, light and backgrounds. Take your time and be patient. Learn and test various ideas and design concepts. Eventually you will gain a better understanding of what it is you're trying to achieve.

Using a scanner to capture three dimensional objects is a rather new approach to creating art, but its grown to be quite a popular avenue for people to express themselves. There are no rules or boundaries. Just experiment, and explore the possibilities. Not everyone is cut out to be a brilliant painter, sculptor, or poet, but with the aid of a Flatbed Scanner anyone with an imagination can easily become an artist!

Oyyy.co.uk are one of the UK's leading A3 flatbed scanner and Canon flatbed scanner suppliers, with over £12 million worth of stock available from stock for next day delivery.