Learn How To…Make Good Photos Look Even Better
Windows Help & Advice|March 2020
Mike Bedford provides guidance on how to use the GIMP photo-editing package to make dramatic improvements to your photos
Mike Bedford
Learn How To…Make Good Photos Look Even Better

Photo editing is commonly thought of as a means of correcting common errors such as under or overexposure, or lack of sharpness in a photograph. Right at the outset, therefore, we need to put the record straight by stating our view on the main purpose of photo editing to the photographer. Although we’ll give some brief guidance on error-correction techniques, this is by no means our main emphasis. Instead we’re going to be investigating how photo editing can make a good photo even better.

If you’ve never really bothered with photo editing, you might be of the view that enhancing an image in this way is going to result in only a slight improvement and is barely worth the effort. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many professional and serious amateur photographers have suggested that post-processing is every bit as important as taking the original photograph, and we wouldn’t disagree. And if you’re unconvinced, try it out yourself – you might be surprised.

The software we’re featuring is GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), specifically version 2.10.14. Although it’s not quite in the same league as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is a reasonably well-featured photo editor, and unlike the Adobe offering, it’s free. If you have a different package, it might be able to do most of what we describe here, but we make no guarantees, and entry-level packages will almost certainly have some serious drop-offs.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Windows Help & Advice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Windows Help & Advice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WINDOWS HELP & ADVICEView All
THE YEAR OF 5G
Windows Help & Advice

THE YEAR OF 5G

We’re on the cusp of a mobile revolution: as new 5G phones connect to new 5G networks across the UK. You’ll be able to enjoy super-fast, super-stable data access wherever you may roam.

time-read
10+ mins  |
May 2020
Windows Help & Advice

Learn how to....Make your mouse and keyboard easier to use

“Windows 10 includes numerous options that can enhance the way you interact with it – we reveal how to make your input devices easier to use”

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
Windows Help & Advice

Nikon D780

Is the full-frame DSLR still relevant in the mirrorless age?

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
LOCK IT DOWN!
Windows Help & Advice

LOCK IT DOWN!

Nick Peers reveals how to make your PC secure against malware and other threats

time-read
10+ mins  |
May 2020
Learn how to…Enhance skies in Luminar
Windows Help & Advice

Learn how to…Enhance skies in Luminar

“Luminar’s latest update is full of tools to make the skies in your images more interesting”

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
Windows Help & Advice

How to zip and unzip files

“Whether you’re freeing up storage space or sending lots of files to other people, Windows’ built-in file zipping will make your life so much easier”

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
Windows Help & Advice

HTC Vive Cosmos and Elite

Transforming VR headsets that fit any space and any game

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
Windows Help & Advice

Back up important data with File History

“The File History feature of Windows 10 can be used to roll back to earlier versions of documents, or just create backups of all your important files”

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
Brother MFC-J6947DW
Windows Help & Advice

Brother MFC-J6947DW

Business inkjet with true A3 ability

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
Asus ZenBook Flip 15
Windows Help & Advice

Asus ZenBook Flip 15

A capable and premium 2-in-1 laptop

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020