Jonny Weeks, a picture editor for the Guardian, has created a series of experimental images from the World Cup using a digital flat-bed scanner. This technique, known as slit-scanning, distorts photographs to produce surreal, warped effects that capture motion in a unique way.
The Slit-Scan Process
Slit-scanning traditionally involves a camera with a narrow slit that exposes film as it moves past, recording time flow. Weeks adapted this by scanning printed photographs, achieving similar distortions without the complexity of analog cameras. The results are reminiscent of 'rolling shutter' effects, but intentionally embraced as art.
Historical Context in Sports
Mechanical slit-scanning dates back to the late 1930s, when engineer Lorenzo Del Riccio created the 'circular flow camera' for horse racing. It was installed at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to determine winners by capturing motion accurately. In 1960, Life magazine photographer George Silk used it at Olympic try-outs to depict athletes in flux, offering an impressionistic view of sports.
Modern Innovations at the World Cup
This World Cup saw photographers like Florence Pernet capturing images by photographing her TV screen, which went viral after being shared by France footballer Michael Olise. Even agency photographers are experimenting with vintage cameras, infrared imaging, and prismatic filters. Getty’s Shaun Botterill used film stock from the 1986 World Cup while shooting in Mexico.
Artistic Choices and Techniques
Weeks found that different images suited different scanning approaches. For Harry Kane’s goal celebration, he used a jagged, serendipitous method, while Kylian Mbappé’s portrait involved premeditated mirroring. He emphasizes that photography is both documentary and artistic, and distorting reality can offer fresh perspectives.
Impact and Philosophy
While some question the value of distorting reality, Weeks argues that photography is malleable and subjective. He notes that the original photographs he adapted were brilliant, but experimentation allows for creative play, even from thousands of miles away. The gallery includes images of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jordan Pickford, and others, each transformed by the slit-scan technique.
