Synopses & Reviews
Image editing has become a crucial element in the photographic workflow. Image editing tools, most notably Photoshop, are usually sophisticated and deep applications, and are fairly expensive. The only open source tool in this market is the GIMP, which has developed into a powerful, multiplatform system running on Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows.
GIMP 2.6 for Photographers is a beginner's guide to the only open source image editing tool that provides a low-cost alternative to expensive programs such as Photoshop. Topics include the basics of image editing and simple adjustments, as well as advanced techniques using layers and masks, stitching panoramic images, and preparing high-quality black and white images. The most important editing functions are presented in individual, easy-to-follow workshops.
GIMP 2.6 for Photographers has evolved from classroom materials that the author developed and taught in courses and workshops on image editing with the GIMP.
The upgrade to GIMP 2.8 that is discussed in the book can be found at rockynook.com for a preview and more details.
Synopsis
This text evolved from the classroom materials the author developed and used in courses and workshops on image editing with the GIMP. It covers the basics of image editing and guides the reader through the functions and tools of GIMP from simple adjustments to more advanced techniques with layers and masks.
About the Author
Klaus Goelker is an architect and photographer who lives and works in Munich, Germany. He also teaches courses on image editing at a local art school. He chose GIMP to teach this class because it was free and yet powerful enough to do serious photographic image editing.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Basics; 1.1 Preface to the Extended Second Edition; 1.2 Introduction; 1.3 Introduction to Digital Image Editing; 1.4 Loading and Managing Digital Photos on the Computer; 1.5 Get GIMP Running; Chapter 2: Using GIMP: Correcting and Touching Up Your Images; 2.1 JPEG versus RAW; 2.2 Opening and Developing a RAW Format, or Digital Negative, with GIMP; 2.3 Editing Images in GIMP; 2.4 Working with Scanned Images; 2.5 Scanning and Editing an Image; 2.6 Touchup Work 1--Removing Color Cast; 2.7 Touchup Work 2--Removing Spots, Dust, and Scratches; 2.8 Performing Magic - Editing Photographs with Graphic Filters; Chapter 3: Using Masks and Layers--Painting, Filling, and Color Tools; 3.1 Introduction to Masks and Selections; 3.2 Touchup Work 3--Removing Red Eyes; 3.3 Introduction to Working with Layers; 3.4 Touchup Work 4--Correcting Overexposed or Underexposed Images; 3.5 Touchup Work 5--Using Perspective Correction to Remove Converging Verticals; 3.6 Touchup Work 5--Freshening Up a "Dull Sky"; 3.7 Typing in GIMP--Adding Text to an Image; 3.8 Creating Your Own Image Frames and Vignettes; 3.9 Creating and Editing Image Elements--Lighting Effects and Shadow Layers; 3.10 Extracting Image Objects with Select and Masking Tools; 3.11 Using the Paths Tool as a Masking Tool--Using Filters for Light Effects; 3.12 Using Layers, Masks, and Paths to Create Three-Dimensional Objects--Shadow Layers; 3.13 Cross-Fading with Masks and Selections; 3.14 Collages--Using Masks and Selections to Cut and Paste Image Objects; 3.15 GIMP and HDR; Chapter 4: Working with Black-and-White and Color Images; 4.1 Converting Color Images Partly or Entirely into Grayscale Images; 4.2 Touching Up Black-and-White Images--Levels, Brightness, Contrast; 4.3 Extracting Hair from the Background--a Tricky Task; 4.4 Coloring Grayscale Images; 4.5 "Hand-Colored" Collages from Black-and-White Photos; Chapter 5: Appendix; 5.1 The IWarp Filter--a Closing Comment; 5.2 So Far, So Good--How to Proceed from Here: Tips and References; 5.3 A GIMP 2.8 Preview; 5.4 Thank You!; 5.5 Further Reading on GIMP: References; 5.6 What's on the DVD; 5.7 Native GIMP File Formats;