Scanner creates an electronic copy of a photograph.When a photograph is scanned, a picture-file( like* .bmp file that can be opened in paint programme) is created, which is generally saved in secondary storage.This process of creating a picture-file from a photograph( nothing sacred about photograph, any printed paper will do) is called as scanning or digitzation.
The scaned image can be opened in any suitable programme for editing and can be edited.A hand held scanner is to be scanned, just like barber move the hair picker over the head.