A method and apparatus for document imaging is disclosed. The apparatus uses a flatbed scanner with a selectively opaque/transparent liquid crystal platen. The platen is divided into controllable segments defined by an electrode pattern formed within the platen itself. These segments can each be selectively made transmissive or opaque by applying appropriate voltages to the segment electrodes. An advantage of the invention is that it can operate without a platen cover, since the area of the platen not covered by the original can be made opaque. The opaque part of the platen directs imaging light back into the system, shielding a user's eyes and helping to create a white background if the platen is imaged.