Portrait Edit

GIMP 2 was used to complete this exercise (Graphic Activity 1) to modify our portrait images. It was chosen as a free alternative to Photoshop. I have used GIMP previously, but primarily as a tool to resize images and to convert formats to .jpg. The transformation and modification of the image were all new features of the tool that I learned through this assignment. After opening the image, I explored the Toolbox and Tool Options. To transform the image, I first flipped the profile from right to left view. Next I used the Select by Color Tool and selected several colors and replaced colors using the color drag and drop tool. Once I explored GIMPS tools and completed modifications, I then resized the image from an original size of 124×124 px to 100×100. To resize, I selected Image from the main menu, then clicked on Scale Image. Next I changed the image size, reducing and keeping the proportions. I made sure to select the pixels options. Finally, I clicked the Scale button. I next saved and exported to a .jpg format. GIMP saves modified files with a .xcf format and provides the option to export as a .jpg formatted image.

One challenge I faced was the difficulty in reading through their online help manual to learn more about the features and how to use them. I could follow the steps but it was sometimes hit-or-miss if the modifications were applied.

Basic Steps in GIMP2

• Resized to 100 x 100
  • Image
  • Scale Image
  • Changed Image Size from 124×124 to 100×100
    • Selected pixels option
  • Clicked Scale button
• File
• Save as
  • Selected folder
  • xcf
• Clicked Save
• File
  • Export
  • Name.jpg

Changes

• GIMP – single window mode activated
• Explored Toolbox and Tool Options
  • Rotate 50 degrees
• Flipped image: Tools – Transform Tools – Flip (or flip icon)
• Select by Color Tool – selected light green, replaced it with black (drag and drop)
• Color drag/drop