Why is GIMP missing here?

[maxxremis]

I am just getting started in photography and am now reading over some of the threads here in the forum. I can't afford Photoshop and I see that GIMP is free, so I was wondering if it is worth the download or not.
Thanks for reading...
Maxxremis

[Donald]

...so I was wondering if it is worth the download or not.
Thanks for reading...
Maxxremis

James - I learnt my post processing with the GIMP. It is a great tool. It is put together by volunteers and doesn't have all the resources behind it that Photoshop has. That means that it is a steeper learning curve because you won't find the same number of books, videos, tutorials etc. But if I can do it, anyone can.

The best resource I found was http://www.meetthegimp.org/. Rolf's videos taught me all that I know. Go to the older shows via the Table of Contents menu option. They do refer to an older version of the GIMP, but are still relevant and will teach you about things like layers and masks, dodging and burning, sharpening, etc etc.

[maxxremis]

All right @ Donald -
Thanks very much for your reply. I have lots of time, as I am retired, and will download GIMP tonight.
I was very happy to see your answer.

[george013]

All right @ Donald -
Thanks very much for your reply. I have lots of time, as I am retired, and will download GIMP tonight.
I was very happy to see your answer.

I rarely use it for working on a JPG. The last version (?) works with side files. If you open a JPG and want to save it, you'll have to use the export function. It prevents you from compressing the JPG to many times.

When you want to work with RAW pictures, you must download UFRAW also. I don't think it's included.

George

[Donald]

When you want to work with RAW pictures, you must download UFRAW also. I don't think it's included.

No, it's not. There are a number of free RAW processing softwares that you can use. Some plug-in to the GIMP. Others are stand alone.

[Inkanyezi]

Among the free RAW converters, I think RawTherapee has the nicest interface. My own favourite is Darktable, and I use mainly Darktable and Gimp.
I would say Gimp is worth downloading, and with UFRAW plugin it works similarly to the combo PhotoShop with ACR. However to manipulate metadata other tools are necessary. For Windows users, PhotoME is a good metadata editor. The most powerful metadata editor is Phil Harvey's Exiftool, which is a command line utility.

[dje]

Yes PhotoME is good and so is EXIF Tool. There is a GUI for EXIF Tool called EXIFToolGUI available here. Probably WIndows only.

Dave

[rachel]

I'm a fan of GIMP, I'm still learning about everything it can do but there are lots of very useful tutorials out there, both in text and video format. If I only want to level my eternally wonky horizons, I still use Irfan View but GIMP for just about everything else.

It even has a plug-in for stacking star photos, called startrails helpfully enough, which I've used a few times.

[maxxremis]

Wow! Great information here! I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to clue me in on GIMP and extra apps.

[JBW]

I am just getting started in photography and am now reading over some of the threads here in the forum. I can't afford Photoshop and I see that GIMP is free, so I was wondering if it is worth the download or not.
Thanks for reading...
Maxxremis

I am also retired and about 2 years ago got involved in this passion. I tried a few of the free downloads and went with Gimp for all the reasons already mentioned. Let me also emphasize the need to learn Gimp. It will help you to be as creative as you wish to be. From something as simple as down sizing a shot to up load to the web to creating masterpieces. But it will take as much time and effort as learning how to use your camera to its full potential.

Welcome to the group.

[jcuknz]

I looked at GIMP once and found it so different to what I am used to that I promptly gave it away. For reasons of limited funds I choose Paint Shop Pro which is a much more freindly programme than either PS or Gimp .... but whatever you choose if it is any good it will involve a learning process. I was ready to give up in the first month of using PSP but there was no alternative back then so I stuck with it. If you look to Amazon there are usually older versions which are less costly than the current 'latest' and to all intent and purpose just as good, for a starter or experienced worker.
This one was only $5 http://www.amazon.com/Paintshop-Pro-...Paint+Shop+Pro.
So for a programme equal to PS and far better than Gimp ? Of course I am biased and I have had a couple of versions of PS to see what all the fuss was about

edit... I also see a v.7 for sale at $47 which is outragious It was V8 that PSP 'took off IMO, I started with V7 but anything from X4 is worth getting.

[Shadowman]

The one thing about GIMP that caught me off guard momentarily was their use of the noise filter. The program actually adds noise and if you want to reduce noise you have to use the blur tool. Granted I didn't expect any revolutionary noise filter with GIMP, just interesting how similar terminology is used differently within an industry.