The GIMP

[CMBessette]

I'm poor and don't have PhotoShop. But that's okay, the GIMP is free. Hence my question: Do any of you GIMP users out there have recommendations for books and/or web sites that you've found helpful for improving your use of this software? (Or links to neat plug-ins you enjoy?) Thanks!

And for the fun of it . . here's to Wilber!

[swmdrayfan]

Yeah, I'd like to find out myself before I install it.
John

[CMBessette]

Well, the GIMP is definitely worth installing. I already use it for everything I do with processing images. As to how well it compares with PhotoShop, I may never know since I have no need (at present) or the money (at present) to buy it!

But, there are already some books available. Check them out here: http://www.gimp.org/books/
(I'm justing waiting for a photographer that has one or more of these books to recommend their pick!)

[payn817]

Search engines have a lot of links for Gimp. Here's a couple. I use this program often, and really like it more than PS. For me, it is easier to use, and less cluttered while capable of producing the same, or about the same results. Using Gimp, you may have about 5-10% less options, but the most frequently used and important are there, and there may be much more in the plug-in registry.


http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/
http://docs.gimp.org/en/
http://registry.gimp.org/index.jsp
(plugin registry)
http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/
http://www.gimpguru.org/Tutorials/

[mwfanelli]

Using Gimp, you may have about 5-10% less options, but the most frequently used and important are there...

Look up the large older Gimp thread for more information.

The major missing part is a viable color management system. Except for snapshots and the occasional web posting, that's a death blow for photographers.

[payn817]

While it is certain that the color should be correct no matter the medium/monitor, I don't use this system, and never have a problem with my prints.

mwfanelli is far more experienced and knowledgeable in this area than I, so take my input with a grain of salt. I may be about to learn something myself, thanks for chiming in Michael.

[echoback]

I'm in the same boat, can't afford PS, so I use The Gimp. I've been using it for nearly 6 months, but I still have a lot to learn. I'm getting more comfortable with it, it is very similar to PS. I'm not sure if this link will work if you haven't dowloaded it yet, but it comes with an online manual that I use all the time. C:\Program Files\GIMP-2.0\share\gimp\2.0\help\en\index.html. It's actually quite easy to read and has proved to be more than helpful every time I need it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM me, I don't know how much help I can be, but I can definitely try. good luck!

[PatrickBranch]

The Gimp is a good program. When I reformatted my computer and couldn't find the PS disc to reinstall, I askek some people what to do and they directed me to The Gimp. I used it to make graphics for my site. I found photoshop a while ago. I need to re-model my site...Add pages, change the headers (they were all the same, each page), rewrite somestuff, add an order form,etc.