Want better webshots? Get GIMP!

[KyushuCalanthe]

Have you always wanted to have nice shots to post on the web? Here is a solution to photo manipulation, a freeware program called GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). Here are a couple shots I made last night:

And here is a tutorial vid showing how to set up GIMP.

Don't expect a clone of Photoshop, although like it GIMP is a high powered product. This is great stuff AND IT IS COMPLETELY FREE!

 

[nikv]

I've had this free program for a couple years now. Haven't been able to figure out how to use it. Is there a tutorial anywhere?

 

[SlipperFan]

Don't give false hopes, Tom. Not even Photoshop can substitute for good lighting, a decent camera, a tripod for close-ups, and a careful eye for composition.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

Don't give false hopes, Tom. Not even Photoshop can substitute for good lighting, a decent camera, a tripod for close-ups, and a careful eye for composition.

None intended Dot! Of course to you need a reasonable file to work with, but I've been impressed with GIMP's functionality, particularly since it is a free program. I just want folks to realize that there is an easy to use program out there to play with that is free for the taking.

Nik, above is a link to setting up GIMP. It takes a while to load, and is a bit slow going at first, but you can get a feel for the program. Many more tutorials are out there for viewing.

For me photography is fun, an exploration. If you take that approach, eventually you'll happy with the results; as usual, work in=results out.

 

[kentuckiense]

I have GIMP on my "field" netbook and I enjoy it a lot. I can almost exactly replicate my Photoshop procedure for editing photos with the exception of resizing. Still working on getting it how I like it in that regard.

 

[JeanLux]

esp. the first pic is of amazing quality, IMO!!! Jean

 

[NYEric]

Don't give false hopes, Tom. Not even Photoshop can substitute for good lighting, a decent camera, a tripod for close-ups, and a careful eye for composition.

And don't forget a natural talent, like mine! :crazy:

 

[cnycharles]

Don't give false hopes, Tom. Not even Photoshop can substitute for good lighting, a decent camera, a tripod for close-ups, and a careful eye for composition.

I've been told that now more than ever with digital cameras, the need for high-quality glass (or lenses) is extremely important. I thought my lenses were decent quality but I can see where some color balance is a bit off with many of the pictures that I take. The above about equipment and details is true...

 

[SlipperFan]

I thought my lenses were decent quality but I can see where some color balance is a bit off with many of the pictures that I take.

That may be the fault of the sensors even more than the glass. But I will never argue against the importance of good lenses.