This project is all about being experimental and trying new editing techniques. I have recently learnt how layer textures and other items over existing images using a technique known as scanner art.
Step by step guide to scanner art:
Part 1:
Unlock your scanner (small latch at the back of scanner)
Plug scanner in
Image Acquire – Pick the make of your scanner
‘Acquire’
Go in to advanced mode
Output resolution – change to - 1200 DPI
Scan your item
Save as high quality Jpeg
Part 2- In Camera raw:
9. Open separate photograph image of your choice
10. Up the contrast
11. Up the clarity
12. Make image black and white- Decrease saturation
Part 3- Photoshop
13. Open scanned paint strokes (stencil) in Photoshop
14. Copy stencil
15. Paste on top of your original photograph
16. Edit – transform – scale
17. Drop opacity down on paint strokes layer to give idea of final product
18. Create new layer
19. Fill – white
20. Move white layer to the bottom layer (1st layer)
21. (3rd layer) Put back up opacity on stencil to 100%
22. Select – Colour range – Use eyedrop tool to select middle of stencil - ok
23. Hide layer (3)
24. Select - inverse
25. Delete- whilst on middle layer
Here are some images I have manipulated using scanner art.
Image © Sophie Whale
To create this image I scanned a piece of paper with a black paint stroke on it and layered it over a photograph I took of a model. I like this image because it reminds me of experimenting with painting developer on prints in the darkroom. I have placed the paint stroke directly over the models face to show the main subject.
Image © Sophie Whale
This image is my favourite out of the two. I scanned a sheet of scratched acetate into the computer and layered it over a portrait I took in the studio. I really like how the scratched acetate makes the image look like an original darkroom print that has been damaged over time. As acetate is clear it does not change or impact on the image too much, it just adds a layer of texture and dimension to the photograph.
Although this is not something I plan to use in my final images, I think it is a really interesting technique to learn and I am glad to expand my Photoshop skills.