This month I used the same photo on both of my sites. In the XingfuMama post I used Topaz Studio 2 to make variations. In the variations below I used some of the GIMP’s built-in filters.
Directions for my methods:
This month I used the GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) to play with this photo.
First, I always use Raw Therapee to process and convert the RAW image before I bring it into the GIMP.
The “starting point” image is after that step. Also, for all but the original I applied a subtle vignette. I have a post here about using vignettes in the GIMP.
Simple Linear Iterative Clustering is built into the GIMP. It is found in the Artistic group in the Filters drop down menu (Filters>Artistic>Simple Linear Iterative Clustering). I used the settings 160 for the regions size, 5 for the compactness and 6 iterations. This filter is a favorite of mine at the moment. You can get some really different looks by varying the parameters so don’t give up if you don’t like the effect right after opening the filter. For contrast you might look at my post where I used the same filter with different settings on a rose.
The next version uses the Cartoon filter in GIMP’s Artistic group (Filters>Artistic>Cartoon) I like it best with the default settings.
For the last version I used the Lens Flare filter, it is found in the Light and Shadow group of filters (Filters>Light and Shadow>Lens Flare).
If you want to join the One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge to have some creative fun with photos:
The purpose of the One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge is to play. Swing on over to my personal blog to join in.
These days we have so many different ways to process a photo: from phone apps to Photoshop. And these different software options make it accessible for anyone to get fun and beautiful effects. Whether you have a lot of time or a little.
I’ve been spending a lot of my pandemic playing with photo processing. Because it is a relaxing indoor activity that I can do for free (I mostly use open-source programs and old versions of paid programs). And I thought it might be fun to share what I’ve been doing and see what other folks are trying out.
No complicated rules, just:
- Pick a photo you want to play with.
- Process it using three different methods.
- After that create a blog post with the original and your creative products. Alternatively, if it is easier for you, you could post a gallery on Instagram with #tsc_1to3.
- If you can, please include a description of your methods. So others can give them a whirl.
- Then add a comment or ping back so we can all see your creations.
- Check out what other folks are doing for new ideas.