Any GIMP users out there? Share naman kayo ng post processed images nyo using gimp and if you can specify the technique you used much better

For those who doesnt know Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/), this software is so called the "free photoshop" it is totally free and quite powerful too. Those who dont want to buy licensed software such as photoshop and dont want to use pirated software this is for you :)


My sample post processing

Before

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs18/f/2007/136/0/6/Marqui_and_Sharon_Unedited_by_zerofunk.jpg



After implementing contrast mask and neutral density filter technique :D

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs17/f/2007/136/7/b/Marqui_and_Sharon_by_zerofunk.jpg

There's already a thread about GIMP.

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=4000

All of my images from this thread

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=4474

are done using GIMP.

Mathmap can only be used with GIMP. Not with Photoshop.

Hi everyone,

I'm just curious if anyone here is using GIMP as an alternative to Photoshop? I don't have any figures to support this hunch, only the fact that a copy of PS can be easily bought from St. Francis. With this, i assume more than half of the members here use "un-original" copy of PS.

I'm trying to study GiMP instead of Photoshop for the ff. reasons:
1. It's under the GNU GPL License, meaning you can obtain a copy for free. And if you are programmer, have it altered to suit your needs.
2. Based from the reviews i read in the net, its the nearest thing you can get to PS for free, since it was designed to be a PS-clone.
3. It is lightweight, not a resource muncher.

Since we're very particular about the copyright of our images, can't we be the same with the tools we are using?

What do you think?

I would think that most of the users here have "legitimate" copies of PS, or PS like Sw. Given most of them purchased a DSLR/s, which in the case of Canon includes authorized PS Elements. Now technically they have "legal copies" which is included in a legal DSLR purchase. I am not sure what Nikon, Pentax, Oly included, but I am certain , they also have similar offerings.

If they have boot leg copies of other productivity SW, that is another story. But if one where to insinuate if what is being used is legal or not, technically the answer is "of course", its included in the camera I bought.

As for GiMP, its the first time I'm hearing this, and would you care to share a link?:)

First of all, I'm not a graphics guru, I mainly use gimp to do minor enhancements, no heavy image editing.

http://www.gimp.org (http://www.gimp.org/)

originally for linux. Not as easy as PS, so I've read. but I think it has more functionality than PS Elements and Paint.Net (windows paintbrush on steroids, you may want to check it out).

PS IMHO is overkill (not too mention overpriced) for light photo enhancements. Unless of course you get it from illegitimate sources.

GIMP is a good alternative, it uses the same shortcuts that photoshop does so the learning curve isn't that steep when coming from a photoshop background.

also there are other open source photo editing software like, there's also Paint.net (http://www.eecs.wsu.edu/paint.net/screenshots.html) and The GIMP Shop (http://plasticbugs.com/?p=241). A lot of open source software are coming out although its not as good as the commercial ones, their functions are almost the same.

Open source software are always in development, so there are always updates every now and then due to bug fixes and improvements.

^^ Thanks for providing the links!

I'm using GiMP for resizing and adding signatures. I haven't ventured into other effects like adjusting the contrasts etc...

I like Gimp. It's free, it's powerful.

Here are some tutorial links:

http://www.gimp-tutorials.com/

http://www.gimpguru.org/Tutorials/

http://tutorialblog.org/gimp-tutorials/

http://gimp-tutorials.net/

:)

Give is a great alternative. I used this around 2-3 years ago and even then it was as robust as PS.

hi lei and cindy!

can GiMP actually do the same post-processing effects that other photographers are doing with photoshop?

if yes, then i may have one more reason to migrate to Ubuntu or other Linux distros :Grin:

Hi, Joey,


Yes. Look at this Google search link http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=gimp+for+photographers&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a so that you'd be able to see for yourself what Gimp can do.

Not only is it free, you can run it on both Windows and Linux.

:) I love Free and Open Source Software.....

Cindy

For all its worth, might as well try Gimp for the second time this weekend. I just find its resizing tool counter-intuitive to what am already used to in Photoshop. And the fact that the Mac version still uses 'ctrl' key instead of 'command (apple)' key for most keyboard shortcuts.

But despite its shortcomings, am giving it a second home once my Linux machine arrives :)

EDIT: Found a way (http://www.wilber-loves-apple.org/topic.php?id=37&replies=16) to remap 'ctrl' keys to 'command (apple)'

also using GIMP here in my office PC... well, part of our company's anti-piracy campaign (kuno :D )...

btw this is an OT but might as well inject it in here... do you guys/gals know of any freeware raw to jpeg conversion software? if GIMP has an ACR-like feature, it'll be much be cool :)

... do you guys/gals know of any freeware raw to jpeg conversion software? if GIMP has an ACR-like feature, it'll be much be cool :)

DCRAW
http://cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/

UFRAW. Standalone or plugin for GIMP
http://www.osalt.com/photoshop-camera-raw

BTW, i use GIMP 'coz there are things i cannot do in PS (i.e. MathMap)

Yes, GIMP can do most of the stuff you can do from PS 5 or even higher.

thanks for the links to the free RAW>jpeg software and GIMP. I will try that. Like some of you I installed Ubuntu 7.0.4 and I like what I saw. I am now burning the newest version 7.1.0 on CD so I can install it on another partition. I just need a book now to understand it better. Open source software is definitely wonderful.

Gimp's windows are also somewhat a cool interface to work with!

This thread made me want to try GIMP. I will download and give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

just to benchmark how "friendly" GIMP is to my laptop, i tried doing a simple routine to determine how much memory will it consume. I have an Acer Aspire 4310 running on an Intel Celeron M (1.73ghz) with 512 MB DDR2.

i made this test so as to show how friendly GIMP can be to users without a powerful machine to use for post-processing. just to make it clear, the scope of this study is limited to one test (defined below) and the results can not be use to infer or generalize. it is simply a guide.

1. No application outside of the pre-loaded security tools should be running.
e.g. no browser or word processor should be running aside from my Avast Antivirus and Comodo Firewall Pro.
Given this, the free RAM available is 250MB

2. Define three groups: One, Control group (no application running). Second, Photoshop is running. Third, GIMP is running.
Before performing tests each group, the laptop should be restarted to ensure that all memory leaks would be flushed out.
The test would be performed on the same file located in two different folders on the same partition (drive).

3. The routine to be performed are described in the ff. steps
a. Open the file.
b. Resize the file to 640x480
c. Close the file

Results:
Opening GIMP consumed 30MB while Photoshop at 80MB.
GIMP utilization peaked at a utilization of 60MB as compared to 120MB by Photoshop.

Conclusion: GIMP based on the simple test conducted, is probably more resource-friendly as compared to Photoshop.

I really felt the difference when I am trying to load something to Multiply and at the same time post-process some images. GIMP really edges out PS on this aspect.

and its free btw :)

This is quite OT but still somewhat related to the topic at hand. Mods, pls transfer my post if it's not appropriate here. I only want to share the benefit of GIMP on a Linux.:)

I successfully installed Ubuntu Linux 7.1 on my computer. I now have a dual boot configuration: WinXP Home and Ubuntu Linux 7.1. This Linux distribution has all the most important basic tools for word-processing and image editing- Open Office 2.3 and Gimp 2.3. It also has media players and photo managers of basic functionality but high-quality.

Default Ubuntu Linux 7.1 Desktop with top and bottom panels hidden:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8720/desktophiddenpanelsrr8.jpg

The GIMP is a wonderful tool for editing images, including Photoshop files (it will flatten layers upon import.) For this Linux release, editing of raw images is not yet supported. I understand this. GIMP is open source after all. But all the other open license and non-proprietary formats including jpeg is child's play with GIMP. I also noticed that the editing desktop is much cleaner, relaxing and pleasing to the eyes in a Linux environment! I have GIMP on WinXP too but I tell you, the GIMP as seen in a Linux screen is way more beautiful! In fact, all the open-source software that came with the Ubuntu Linux operated in such a beautiful, relaxing manner.

A GIMP Image Window maximized to fit my 1440x900 LCD monitor. On the bottom right you may see three boxes. They are switches for the GIMP desktop (currently open), browser desktop, and trash. You can add more desktops if you like. On the bottom left are: Desktop main switch, GIMP main window (minimized), GIMP Layers/Palettes window (minimized) and GIMP Image Window (open.)
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/116/screenshot3kf9.jpg

Here's one Linux feature where the GIMP really shines: multi-desktop switching. In Linux you can have as many desktops as you like in only one monitor. This is perfect for using GIMP. On one desktop you run the image manager and preview photos in their own windows, on the other desktop you run GIMP. By simply clicking on the window of an open photo, you can command it to go to the GIMP desktop. What a cool way to work! The photo manager does not interfere with whatever is happening at the GIMP desktop. You can open another desktop and play music there. Of course you can do all these with only one dektop by simpy minimizing the windows of those applications you dont need for the moment.

F-spot RAW (NEF) viewer. No raw editor yet in this Linux distribution:
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/381/nefviewerhe0.jpg

But multi-desktop switching is just more organized and I dare say, intelligent=). You leave GIMP in a layout you like in its desktop then switch to the photomanager desktop. Arrange the latter's windows any way you want. Switch back to the GIMP desktop and its exactly as you left it. Nice and Neat! Maybe MSWindows has this capability also, I havent noticed it in my WinXP. In Linux, this feature is very apparent and immediately useful!

Being more familiar with Photoshop and MSWIndows , my first foray with GIMP and Linux I was wrestling with the software. This is not a criticism. They are simply different from what I was already familiar with. I have much to learn=) For complex compositing of images (if that;s your cup of coffee) Photoshop is still best. But I was amazed at the progress of open-source GIMP. There are a lot of things you can do with it. See for yourself:)

hey Ram,
how hard was it installing ubuntu regarding hardware drivers?
im also been thinking about trying out linux/ubuntu... im still hesitant though...

hey Ram,
how hard was it installing ubuntu regarding hardware drivers?
im also been thinking about trying out linux/ubuntu... im still hesitant though...

surprisingly easy. To check whether this Linux Distro supports your hardware, simply run the Live CD. Running the Live CD is lke running the OS itself, except nothing is being changed in your system. It's all from the CD. For example when I switched on my printer, in about 5 seconds a pop-up window says, "HP Deskjet 656C is ready to Use." This is light-years faster than when I first installed the printer's driver in WinXP. I even printed a sample page... all from the Live CD session. The OS's database of hardware drivers is huge.

One thing to watch out is the the native resolution of your screen. Ubuntu version 7.04 have no option for 1440x900 but 7.1 has it. you can veriify this using the Live CD.

i use gimp coz it does the job for me, no fuzz :) no frills :)
heck sometimes I even use MS PAINT :)

GIMP is license free. a lot of plug-ins around. I even learned how to create a high-pass filter because of gimp.

i just migrated to Ubuntu last night. while transferring my files, i forgot to check what application i will use for my Canon RAW files to convert and process to JPEG.

so i scanned over the net and found this tool, Rawstudio. i haven't seen or explored this tool. anyone with experience on this?

if not, are there any alternatives to the software?

GIMP is license free. a lot of plug-ins around. I even learned how to create a high-pass filter because of gimp.
Does anybody have pictures sharpened using the GIMP... like the Manny Librodo's technique using Photoshop....
Link: http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1085

After few turns and tweaks, I finally got a result which to my standard is ok. I used Lightroom and GIMP to sharpen and enhance the pictures added in this post. C&C is very much appreciated..

Before:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/robasce/5f807ce1.jpg

After:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/robasce/e2a66e71.jpg

i used gimp before, but went back to photoshop later. Then right now I'm evaluating other software than Photoshop (which now costs an arm and a leg).

i used gimp before, but went back to photoshop later. Then right now I'm evaluating other software than Photoshop (which now costs an arm and a leg).
Any reason why you switched back?

anyone, using GIMP image editor? just installed my Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon, is it as powerful as photoshop? :BlackEye:

Not as powerful and convenient as CS2 or the most recent Photoshop. It's like using Photoshop 4.0 :D

Works for me... I use it in combination with LR.

Same here, seems to fit all my postprocessing needs, though i still want to purchase cs3, mahal lng ng non pirated software.

Please use the search tool :)
http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=11597

It can do most of the basic stuff but I find it a pain to use, better to buy PaintShop Pro X if you can't afford PS.

Paint shop? that's corel right? am also looking at this as an alternative. probably when i get home sa pinas, not much software selections here in Qatar. :(

@ sir Marc,

Yup, its Corel and its much more cheaper than PS CS3 $650 price tag. It is only being sold for $80.

I have dual boot my PC XP and Ubuntu, but now only pure linux, bored with my XP hehe! right now im using GIMP and Ufraw for my RAW files.....

I like gimp... I'm using it... especially with creating miniplanets and some effects that needed mathematical equations...

Not as powerful and convenient as CS2 or the most recent Photoshop. It's like using Photoshop 4.0 :D


GIMP is more powerful than PS ever hope to be. But you should know how to use it :D.

got tired of using Linux (no longer required for programming classes, and i usually use the command line too) hehehe. I guess Photoshop got stuck with me from all my digital arts classes that used it. Though right now, I'm familiarizing with Paint Shop Pro. I guess it's with the documented tutorials that came with the product is what's making me pick those.

In a pinch, I will use it. It is probably a good program, especially since it is free, but unfortunately, I have the portable version (runs off of a thumb drive) and its performance is crippled.

got tired of using Linux (no longer required for programming classes, and i usually use the command line too) hehehe. I guess Photoshop got stuck with me from all my digital arts classes that used it. Though right now, I'm familiarizing with Paint Shop Pro. I guess it's with the documented tutorials that came with the product is what's making me pick those.
I saw Paint Shop in a Best Buy store near my place and almost bought it last week... what is your assessment on the software. Appreciate you feedback. It is much cheaper than PhotoShop.

somewhat OT:
i downloaded the trial version of PS CS2 from Adobe.com and installed it in my office PC (with a genuine Win XP Pro). it says 30 days trial only, but i was still able to use it until now since installing it 2-3 months ago without doing any tricks/hacks. can this be considered illegal software now?
thanks!

@Vin, i guess so, not an illegal software but illegal use of it...?
as a violation of the end-user-license-agreement you agreed on when you started using it.
since you agreed to use it as trial for only 30 days when you installed it.

i see. though its allowing me to use it far beyond the supposedly 30-day period only, it'll be my fault if i continue to use it. it somehow confuses me though... why won't it deactivate after 30 days? better uninstall it na lang siguro & install GIMP:)

Also a GIMP user here.... now the latest version has the lens distortion (correction) filter added. Red eye reduction process has been improved. :-)

i hope DPP would also feature this software on one of their issues (paging Mods :) )

i hope DPP would also feature this software on one of their issues (paging Mods :) )
I am with you, Joey. I make use of GIMP to sharpen my images and I've been happy with it so far....

To gimp user out there =) have you tried GREYCstoraration (http://cimg.sourceforge.net/greycstoration/index.shtml)for noise reduction?
Tried it several times...the output is ok with me...i will try to compare my output to noiseninja..if i can get copy hehehe...

To gimp user out there =) have you tried GREYCstoraration (http://cimg.sourceforge.net/greycstoration/index.shtml)for noise reduction?
Tried it several times...the output is ok with me...i will try to compare my output to noiseninja..if i can get copy hehehe...
I used the noise reduction of the LR and use GIMP to sharpen my images only...

To the moderators.... is it possible to add a dedicated thread for GIMP & other Post Processors other than Photoshop under Digital Imaging? I know that there is a choice for other software but to be fair, should the Photoshop be in there as well then?

There is, http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=11597.. it's under the section Software (Aperture, Capture One, RAW processing).

There is, http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=11597.. it's under the section Software (Aperture, Capture One, RAW processing).
What I mean David is to put it under the same level as the Photoshop forum... like it should be categorized under Digital Imaging, Workflow, and Post Production directory..... but anyway, just my suggestion because everytime I want to look for GIMP posts, I still have to search through the Software (Aperture, Capture One, RAW processing) threads whereas the Photoshop users just click on the Photoshop....:) again, just a suggestion, not a big deal if this cannot be done...

hi! if not on this forum, why not feature some tips on the magazine?

i'm pretty sure more than half of the members here do not even own a licensed photoshop.

I think gimptalk.com will give you more info than the DPP forum can ever will since you are looking for advanced users to provide info.

then why not build up the skill set of DPP members here on GiMP? for it to have a more filipino photographer flavor? i even doubt if more than 20% of DPP'ers own licensed Windows software, what more on PS.

just my two cents

Not to pin the fault on the magazine, but there aren't much Gimp experts to begin with, and Gimp users in this forum aren't as active anyway, so where will you extract the interest from?

If a stand-alone thread can't pull enough momentum for a particular subject matter, why add a dedicated section on it?

Before a subsection can even be considered, the existing threads about the same topic has to show that it has enough activity to trigger a need for a subsection to begin with.

Note that we're discussing the idea of starting a whole section just for Gimp...

I saw Paint Shop in a Best Buy store near my place and almost bought it last week... what is your assessment on the software. Appreciate you feedback. It is much cheaper than PhotoShop.

I'll set my expectations here. I'm a heavy windows user (for the games primarily) and based on my un-professional tests (I'm no pro artist, nor imaging reviewer, but I am a game reviewer on the side), but I find paint shop pro x similar to that of Photo shop with some slight differences like the availability of my pictures in a mini library as pinned sub window under my work space. The preview images are resizable, and the best thing is that I can just click and drag the image to the work area and work straight on it. The controls feel similar to Photoshop, and Gimp to a degree so no problems with that. On the left is a docked/pinned help sidebar where depending on the chosen task or functionality, it'll be updated with tips on what to do (it's helpful for beginners or those unfamiliar with navigating paint shop pro).

And I did notice that it consumes a bit less of memory than PS, though if I'm getting an EEE PC, I might as well use the more lightweight GIMP there. This one's a good alternative to photoshop on a budget (it's still cheaper than PS Elements).

I'll set my expectations here. I'm a heavy windows user (for the games primarily) and based on my un-professional tests (I'm no pro artist, nor imaging reviewer, but I am a game reviewer on the side), but I find paint shop pro x similar to that of Photo shop with some slight differences like the availability of my pictures in a mini library as pinned sub window under my work space. The preview images are resizable, and the best thing is that I can just click and drag the image to the work area and work straight on it. The controls feel similar to Photoshop, and Gimp to a degree so no problems with that. On the left is a docked/pinned help sidebar where depending on the chosen task or functionality, it'll be updated with tips on what to do (it's helpful for beginners or those unfamiliar with navigating paint shop pro).

And I did notice that it consumes a bit less of memory than PS, though if I'm getting an EEE PC, I might as well use the more lightweight GIMP there. This one's a good alternative to photoshop on a budget (it's still cheaper than PS Elements).
Thanks Adrain for your assessment... might consider buying this software although I am happy with the GIMP and while I am using it, I am learning a lot from it and they are awesome!

Folks, try reading these:
http://grimthing.com/archives/2007/01/11/Gimp_vs_Photoshop/
http://thelinuxadvocate.blogspot.com/2006/08/gimp-vs-photoshop-what-still-needs-to.html

Of course, there are more blogs, articles and forum about "Gimp vs Photoshop" that you can google. The above are simply samples.

Folks, try reading these:
http://grimthing.com/archives/2007/01/11/Gimp_vs_Photoshop/
http://thelinuxadvocate.blogspot.com/2006/08/gimp-vs-photoshop-what-still-needs-to.html

Of course, there are more blogs, articles and forum about "Gimp vs Photoshop" that you can google. The above are simply samples.
Thanks for sharing this.....

I've been a long time PSP user (v.4 i think till v.6) and it is a lot less confusing and simplified than PS... PSPX right now has so much features, it's like a PS Elements with layering, in addition, most plug-ins work with PSP as well...

I'd pick this over Gimp any day for its UI and flexibility, it's so cheap too for everything it offers. for less that P3,000, look at all the new features in X2 Pro.

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1185293061925

HDR, Film Presets, Auto Watermark, Retouch Tools etc...

Sorry for being OT.

I've been a long time PSP user (v.4 i think till v.6) and it is a lot less confusing and simplified than PS... PSPX right now has so much features, it's like a PS Elements with layering, in addition, most plug-ins work with PSP as well...

I'd pick this over Gimp any day for its UI and flexibility, it's so cheap too for everything it offers. for less that P3,000, look at all the new features in X2 Pro.

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1185293061925

HDR, Film Presets, Auto Watermark, Retouch Tools etc...

Sorry for being OT.
David, Can you do the task that LR can achieve and unmask sharpening of GIMP (or PS) with PSP? My problem with LR is it sharpens globally, so I sharpen my images with GIMP and then back again to LR, and then finally export my images.

Yes, you're right, LR sharpens globally and is best for the "Capture" phase of sharpening. I usually use a low amount and high ratio upon LR import.

PSP can surely do the same sharpening options you can have in CS2 (sorry, never used CS3 yet, office won't upgrade hehe).

With your workflow, I'm wondering why you need to go back to LR to export? Why not just export from GIMP after your sharpening method?

Not sure if you can, but I'm leaning to the possibility that LR lets you choose which external editor you can export to? If that's the case, why not set Gimp as your export application so that you can use all the LR adjustment in GIMP as a PSD/TIFF export then just save-as/export from Gimp directly?

As for PSP, just like CS, you can simply create an action you can run a "capture" phase sharpening and another "creative" sharpening phase action for your photos and run them as a batch.

(See this site (http://www.creativepro.com/article/out-of-gamut-thoughts-on-a-sharpening-workflow) for more info about the Sharpening Phase practice)

Yes, you're right, LR sharpens globally and is best for the "Capture" phase of sharpening. I usually use a low amount and high ratio upon LR import.

PSP can surely do the same sharpening options you can have in CS2 (sorry, never used CS3 yet, office won't upgrade hehe).

With your workflow, I'm wondering why you need to go back to LR to export? Why not just export from GIMP after your sharpening method?

Not sure if you can, but I'm leaning to the possibility that LR lets you choose which external editor you can export to? If that's the case, why not set Gimp as your export application so that you can use all the LR adjustment in GIMP as a PSD/TIFF export then just save-as/export from Gimp directly?

As for PSP, just like CS, you can simply create an action you can run a "capture" phase sharpening and another "creative" sharpening phase action for your photos and run them as a batch.

(See this site (http://www.creativepro.com/article/out-of-gamut-thoughts-on-a-sharpening-workflow) for more info about the Sharpening Phase practice)
Thanks for your input David, I will try to explore more possibilities with LR/GIMP combination. BTW, I am going back to LR because it is where I keep my catalogs for unedited and PPd images.... I am not sure if I am adding unnecessary steps in my workflow by doing this. You're right, LR lets you choose which editor to export the images to.

i'm very confused... given that i'm a beginner... i want to focus on one software... is photoshop still the best option? or should i try GIMP?:Thinking:

i'm very confused... given that i'm a beginner... i want to focus on one software... is photoshop still the best option? or should i try GIMP?:Thinking:
If you have the money to spend, get the Photoshop because there are more users (that's my opinion). DPP even have a section meant for Photoshop users while there is no GIMP section although I already requested to have one for it.

GIMP is free, that is the best attribute if you compare that with Photoshop... or that is what others think anyway... I trust GIMP because it was developed by group of engineers and software developers under the opensource organization. They are the same people that developed OpenOffice (which I also use).

After using GIMP for just few months, I started to like it and there is nothing the PS can do that GIMP cannot do. I am happy with GIMP and will continue using it. The only requirement from the group of software developer of GIMP is small donation or you may contribute in the improvement of the software.... which I am yet to oblige... good thing is they won't force you to do so.

There are numbers of plug-in for GIMP as well and they are all free!

Goodluck!

i'm very confused... given that i'm a beginner... i want to focus on one software... is photoshop still the best option? or should i try GIMP?:Thinking:

just like rolly, my first question would be is, do you have the money to purchase photoshop? if yes, go for photoshop. if not, DPP does not advocate piracy, so don't go for photoshop.

there are some cheaper alternatives out there like Corel Paint Shop Pro. But the cheapest of them all, GiMP, is free.

i still hope that DPP would promote GiMP. for the simple reason that, i absolutely believe that <20% of DPP'ers actually own a legal and licensed copy of Photoshop. It is maybe the new digital darkroom, but let us face reality, Filipino Photographers would rather buy a new lens than buy an original copy of PS. Perhaps, <20% also applies to the licensed owners of Windows.

unless of course, if adobe is a sponsor DPP, then i wouldn't insist further. the only thing i know is that sir Nino is the resident photoshop super master (master would be an understatement from what i read about him)

there would be no expert if no one will build up the skill set on these kind of tools, like GIMP.

just my two cents.

I have to comment that GIMP is not a PS clone, nor is it trying to be. For sure, they have several similarities (as all photo-editing app will have), but there are both good points for GIMP and good points for PS. Also, GIMP DOES have a license, albeit a very liberal license (GPL license: free to distribute and modify, as long as modified source is made available too.)

What is my point? My point is that PS (or Windows for that matter) cannot be used as a benchmark for user-friendliness. They are different tools, with different designers, and with different visions.

Having said that, I do use GIMP full-time, because I also use Ubuntu full-time on my laptops and my desktops, so I am 95% piracy-free! (5% is Warcraft running on Wine in Ubuntu). Like GIMP, Ubuntu is also not a clone of Windows, nor is it trying to be. Also, since both GIMP and Ubuntu BOTH use LESS resources, you'll get more bang from your hardware when used in combination (I have a 1.4GHz, NVidia Geforce Fx5200 with around 750MB ram for my desktop and it's quite fast).

For RAW conversion, you can use UFRAW, there is also a GIMP-plugin version of it (gimp-ufraw, search for it in the repositories). I also use Rawtherapee sometimes and currently trying blueMarine, but mainly I still use UFRaw.

Anyway, I'm still learning about GIMP, having used it for mostly collages, minor editing, and making logos. So if anyone wants to setup a thread/discussion on GIMP tips, sama ako! For Ubuntu tips and tricks, contact me and I'll be happy to teach. Or you can visit my blog, in my signature.

Very interesting discussions. For me I use GIMP because it goes with my OS of choice: Linux. There are applications I need though that would run only on Windows like using my Canon IP1000 printer in which case I re-login to Windows XP (licenced) on my dual boot old pc. I imagine that if I were a pro, I'd likely buy and use pro caliber tools like a legit Photoshop.

For home personal use, I find GIMP (version 2.4.6) to be very capable and fits my needs just fine. And I have recently just discovered that it now posseses one of my favorite tools in Photoshop: Healing Brush! It goes perfect with retouching images from film that I scan. Here are a couple of low-res screen captures about that.

Image before healing (blemishes encircled in yellow)
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1620/gimphealx5bc8.png

Image after healing (healing brush is highlighted on the toolbox)
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3900/gimphealx6jx3.png

It is very easy to use.

Congratulations on going pirated-free, and especially glad you have a LICENSED copy of Windows! GNU/Linux is also my preferred OS, and Windows free for a few years now. Instead of dual-booting, have you tried using virtualization so you can do Windows inside your GNU/Linux box? Now I don't yet recommend you get rid of your dual-boot, but try it first before you make any decisions, at least you can always fall back to something. For details, check it out here (http://geekmadness.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/setup-for-the-modern-virtual-workspace/) or click the link on my sig.

OT:
Thanks for the tip Jeffrey. I will try virtualization when I have a more powerful pc. It's quite a hassle logging off and logging on between them but my present system still works smoothly since each OS resides exclusively in its own hard disk.

I use this before while doing graphics in our office. Though it is somewhat similar to Photoshop, but still Im leaning on the interface of the Photoshop and I am really having a hard time using this tool :) But all in all, this is a great tool.

im trying to learn gimp. care to share how to add those scripts?

im trying to learn gimp. care to share how to add those scripts?

I'm using Ubuntu. With Ubuntu, just open Nautilus or whatever file browser you have and go to /home/[user]/.gimp-2.6/scripts It's a hidden folder, so from your home folder, press CTRL+H to show hidden files or you can type CTRL+L to type in the location manually.

Next, you just paste your scripts in there. When you run GIMP, it will already include the scripts.
If GIMP is already running, go to Filters > Script-Fu > Refresh Scripts

The Windows/Mac versions should be practically the same, you just need to find your GIMP directory.:)

I'm using Ubuntu. With Ubuntu, just open Nautilus or whatever file browser you have and go to /home/[user]/.gimp-2.6/scripts It's a hidden folder, so from your home folder, press CTRL+H to show hidden files or you can type CTRL+L to type in the location manually.

Next, you just paste your scripts in there. When you run GIMP, it will already include the scripts.
If GIMP is already running, go to Filters > Script-Fu > Refresh Scripts

The Windows/Mac versions should be practically the same, you just need to find your GIMP directory.:)

I'm still having trouble. For example, how can I add this script to my Gimp? http://snipplr.com/view/21978/gimp-scriptfu-cinematic-effect-cinephotoscm/

I'm still having trouble. For example, how can I add this script to my Gimp? http://snipplr.com/view/21978/gimp-scriptfu-cinematic-effect-cinephotoscm/

You need to open up your text editor, copy the script from that website (click on the plain text to copy just the code without the line numbers), and paste it into your text editor. Save the file as cine-photo.scm then get that file into your scripts folder.

Run GIMP (or Refresh Scripts). You'll find the Cine Photo filter in Filters > Decor. Worked fine for me.

Post back if you still have problems.:)

P.S. That's a cool script. Thanks! There's also a batch script counterpart here: http://snipplr.com/view/22414/batch-cinematic-effect-batchcinephotoscm/

Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade (more so since I'm an advocate of opensource software) but GIMP may be having a tough time being recognized by professionals. Here's an interesting read...Why Gimp is Inadequate (http://troy-sobotka.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-gimp-is-inadequate.html).

Just to be clear, I think GIMP is wonderful for hobbyists. But for professional work, I don't think it can overtake PS just yet.

I'm using Ubuntu. With Ubuntu, just open Nautilus or whatever file browser you have and go to /home/[user]/.gimp-2.6/scripts It's a hidden folder, so from your home folder, press CTRL+H to show hidden files or you can type CTRL+L to type in the location manually.

Next, you just paste your scripts in there. When you run GIMP, it will already include the scripts.
If GIMP is already running, go to Filters > Script-Fu > Refresh Scripts

The Windows/Mac versions should be practically the same, you just need to find your GIMP directory.:)

thanks sir. will try this. will give you feedback.

Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade (more so since I'm an advocate of opensource software) but GIMP may be having a tough time being recognized by professionals. Here's an interesting read...Why Gimp is Inadequate (http://troy-sobotka.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-gimp-is-inadequate.html).

Just to be clear, I think GIMP is wonderful for hobbyists. But for professional work, I don't think it can overtake PS just yet.

don't worry sir. I'm just a hobbyist. I just want to support open source and not with the pirated photoshop. I'm willing to learn Gimp. even slowly.

Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade (more so since I'm an advocate of opensource software) but GIMP may be having a tough time being recognized by professionals. Here's an interesting read...Why Gimp is Inadequate (http://troy-sobotka.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-gimp-is-inadequate.html).

Just to be clear, I think GIMP is wonderful for hobbyists. But for professional work, I don't think it can overtake PS just yet.

Regardless of the errors on that article, I do agree. GIMP is not ready for taking over PS and the mainstream. Suffice it to say, it's gonna be a while before GIMP will be ready for high-end professional work.

That said, I do use BibblePro and GIMP in my workflow on a semi-professional capacity (I'm one of those who dislike extensive editing, but I still do editing sometimes). So far so good. It really depends on what needs you have. And I do this also to promote interest.

Again, it's gonna take a while for GIMP to catch up.

From the GIMP Website:

Plans for 2.8 and beyond (2011-01-11)


In the face of all sorts of rumours and interpretations about the future of the project there is a call for clarification regarding development of GIMP.


Currently GIMP team is working on finalizing the new stable v2.8 with many improvements such as layer groups, improved brush dynamics, a new unique transformation tool, optional single-window mode and more. There are two big obstacles in our way right now: missing specification on the last change in user interface and broken graphic tablets support in GTK+.
We have already invested a lot of time into UI changes and brush dynamics, we treasure your continuous support for the project and thus we are determined to release v2.8 only when it's working out of box as expected for everybody.


After releasing v2.8 the focus of development will shift to deep integration of GEGL — our new non-destructive image processing core. Results of this work will enable many features considered critical for use of GIMP in professional environment which is part of GIMP's product vision. It's a lot of work, and currently we don't have enough developers to make this change happen very fast. If you want to help us to get there faster, we encourage you to join gimp-developer mailing list (http://www.gimp.org/mail_lists.html) and/or the IRC channel (http://www.gimp.org/irc.html) to discuss how you could contribute.

You need to open up your text editor, copy the script from that website (click on the plain text to copy just the code without the line numbers), and paste it into your text editor. Save the file as cine-photo.scm then get that file into your scripts folder.

Run GIMP (or Refresh Scripts). You'll find the Cine Photo filter in Filters > Decor. Worked fine for me.

Post back if you still have problems.:)

P.S. That's a cool script. Thanks! There's also a batch script counterpart here: http://snipplr.com/view/22414/batch-cinematic-effect-batchcinephotoscm/

whenever I copy the file to my "user/share/gimp/2.06/scripts" directory, it doesn't allow me. it says permission denied. why is that?

If you're on Linux you have to be aware of the file and folder permissions.

whenever I copy the file to my "user/share/gimp/2.06/scripts" directory, it doesn't allow me. it says permission denied. why is that?

Check your directory. You're not in the right directory I told you to go to.:)

Use the scripts folder in your home folder. It should be at /home/[username]/.gimp-2.6/scripts

:)

(the scripts in the /usr/share... folder is seen for any and all present and future users of your computer, and only 'root' has permissions to change them. You can still copy to that folder if you want using sudo, etc. The scripts in your home folder however are specific to your login, and that is recommended)

Check your directory. You're not in the right directory I told you to go to.:)

Use the scripts folder in your home folder. It should be at /home/[username]/.gimp-2.6/scripts

:)

(the scripts in the /usr/share... folder is seen for any and all present and future users of your computer, and only 'root' has permissions to change them. You can still copy to that folder if you want using sudo, etc. The scripts in your home folder however are specific to your login, and that is recommended)

finally, i got it. thanks a lot.:) that was a big help. I hope to learn from you more. :)

finally, i got it. thanks a lot.:) that was a big help. I hope to learn from you more. :)

Sure, message mo lang ako for questions or visit my blogs sa sig ko for tips and tricks.:)

hi guys...! new GIMP user here...
I just wanna if how can you apply "vignette" on GIMP...
TIA.

I think the easy way is to create a layer then fill it with black. Then use the eraser tool, set it biggest possible size then erase the center of the black-filled layer. Finally, adjust the opacity. I guess at around 70. :)

Anyone using Shotwell (http://yorba.org/shotwell/)or Digikam (http://www.digikam.org/)?

I got a new problem.

Whenever I load a certain script for a photo effect, the gimp app keeps on crashing or hanging. That is when I got images with like 2000x4000 resolution but when i decrease it to like 700x400, it play the script well and fast. no problem at all.

I got a new problem.

Whenever I load a certain script for a photo effect, the gimp app keeps on crashing or hanging. That is when I got images with like 2000x4000 resolution but when i decrease it to like 700x400, it play the script well and fast. no problem at all.

Yup, that happens to me as well. large files make GIMP run slow, I guess.

actually, it happens to even Photoshop as well. It may be due to the hardware unable to keep up with the calculations made.

Does anybody have pictures sharpened using the GIMP... like the Manny Librodo's technique using Photoshop....
Link: http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1085

Hi Rolly, I'm interested in knowing the answer to your question as well.. I take it you found a work-around based on your answer below. Care to share? :)

Hi Rolly, I'm interested in knowing the answer to your question as well.. I take it you found a work-around based on your answer below. Care to share? :)

I use the USM function on one layer, and apply gaussian blur on another layer. I combined both layers using the "screen" blending mode. Brightness and contrast, as well as opacity, is adjusted to taste.