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Step by step: editing an image
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1.
Adjust the histogram. To fix an image which is blown out, adjust
the levels in the image. Choose Tools, Color Tools, Levels and
adjust the Input slider values. Drag the left and right sliders
under the starting points of the histogram and adjust the middle
slider for the best results. |
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2.
Convert to black and white. To convert a colour image to and
white, choose Image, Mode, Grayscale and the image will be automatically
desaturated. To work on the image again in colour you must take
the image back to a colour mode and, to do this, choose Image,
Mode, RGB. |
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3.
Subtle recolouring. To create a more attractive desaturated
image – one where the colours can still be subtly seen,
first duplicate the image using Layer, Duplicate Layer. In the
Layer palette, select the top layer and convert it to black
and white using Layer, Colors, Desaturate. Now set the top layer
blend mode to Darken only and reduce the opacity so some of
the underlying colour comes through. |
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4.
Making a selection. To create a blurred background effect to
suggest a short depth of field, select around the area to blur
using a selection tool like the freehand selection tool. Drag
around it and, to add to the area, hold the Shift key as you
select another area to add to it. To feather the selection,
choose Select, Feather, set a value and click Ok. |
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5.
Add a blur. To blur the selected areas, choose Filters, Blur,
RLE Gaussian Blur. Set the values to use and click Ok. If the
effect is too much or too little, choose Edit, Undo and repeat
the effect this time with different settings. |
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6.
Artistic effects. To apply an artistic effect,
choose Filters, Artistic, GIMPressionist and choose a Preset
such as Embroidery. Click the Update button in the preview area
to view it. Then use the tab options to configure subtle changes
to the effect and click Update to view the changes to check
how they look. |
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