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.
Chapter 1 Basics
Preface to the Extended Second Edition
Introduction
Introduction to Digital Image Editing
Loading and Managing Digital Photos on the Computer
Get GIMP Running
Chapter 2 Using GIMP: Correcting and Touching Up Your Images
JPEG versus RAW
Opening and Developing a RAW Format, or Digital Negative, with GIMP
Editing Images in GIMP
Working with Scanned Images
Scanning and Editing an Image
Touchup Work 1—Removing Color Cast
Touchup Work 2—Removing Spots, Dust, and Scratches
Performing Magic – Editing Photographs with Graphic Filters
Chapter 3 Using Masks and Layers—Painting, Filling, and Color Tools
Introduction to Masks and Selections
Touchup Work 3—Removing Red Eyes
Introduction to Working with Layers
Touchup Work 4—Correcting Overexposed or Underexposed Images
Touchup Work 5—Using Perspective Correction to Remove Converging Verticals
Touchup Work 5—Freshening Up a “Dull Sky”
Typing in GIMP—Adding Text to an Image
Creating Your Own Image Frames and Vignettes
Creating and Editing Image Elements—Lighting Effects and Shadow Layers
Extracting Image Objects with Select and Masking Tools
Using the Paths Tool as a Masking Tool—Using Filters for Light Effects
Using Layers, Masks, and Paths to Create Three-Dimensional Objects—Shadow Layers
Cross-Fading with Masks and Selections
Collages—Using Masks and Selections to Cut and Paste Image Objects
GIMP and HDR
Chapter 4 Working with Black-and-White and Color Images
Converting Color Images Partly or Entirely into Grayscale Images
Touching Up Black-and-White Images—Levels, Brightness, Contrast
Extracting Hair from the Background—a Tricky Task
Coloring Grayscale Images
“Hand-Colored” Collages from Black-and-White Photos
Chapter 5 Appendix
The IWarp Filter—a Closing Comment
So Far, So Good—How to Proceed from Here: Tips and References
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.
Comments about Rocky Nook GIMP 2.6 for Photographers:
Are you confused by the toolbox? Mystified by the layers, channels and paths. Confounded by the docking box. GIMP 2.6 for Photographers will provide the answers to your questions and enough knowledge to get you efficiently using GIMP, the free and open source GNU Image Manipulation Program, to correct and enhance your digital photos and non-vector graphics.
This tutorial book written by Klaus Goelker is brimming with excellent tips and not a few tricks to make your learning experience worthwhile and even fun. Originally written in the German language, the translator of this book did an outstanding job of maintaining the original clear and concise meaning of the author.
The book is laid out in a logical order of succession and the lessons are clearly defined by a multitude of full color illustrations. This is especially helpful in making the transition from other photo correction programs much easier. The included DVD is loaded with all the pertinent lesson illustrations and edited photographs plus suggested plug-ins to extend the functionality of the GIMP program. Web site links to enhance your learning and skills are supplied. Also included is the GIMP software itself ready for loading, more software to make your photo management easier and the jewel of all, the book itself in PDF format to make it as portable as your netbook.
My conclusion is this book is a must have for all users of GIMP and I highly recommend it.
1/28/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
great training and reference guide.
By Richard from Gidget Kitchen
from San Francisco Bay Area
Pros
Accurate
Concise
Easy to understand
Helpful examples
Well-written
Cons
Best Uses
Intermediate
Novice
Student
Comments about Rocky Nook GIMP 2.6 for Photographers:
This book comes with the software on cd. After loading it I began to skim through the book. It is like Photoshop before you needed a masters degree to use it. I followed some examples on enhancing and adjusting colors in a couple pictures. The book explains what you are doing then walks you through it. I have a lot of digital pictures and will be giving this book and software a lot of work. Currently I am running it on Linux but its nice that the cd can also be loaded on Mac and Windows. so far this is a wonderful book and looks like it would be good for both the beginner and as a reference for the more experienced. I definitely recommend this book to anybody using or planning to use GIMP.
