What is copy photography?

Question

Is it taking pictures of flat objects? (Like paintings or something?) I can't find a full definition online. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

In my day copy photography was taking photos of old photos in order to make copies or provide a negative.  

Answer 2

Before scanners became smaller and cheaper, all books and magazines printed started off as pasted up copy and were reproduced with huge cameras that made film, from which a printing plate was made. Once upon a time the camera I used made a 24 x 30 inch negative. Can you believe that?

That is one type of copy photography. There are still a few old school shops that do it this way.

If you send your e-mail address, I can send you a picture of that camera. It's a monster.