Help
We want this as a result:
This tutorial is designed to show you how to tweak a photo. There are different methods of doing this, just I will be showing you the method I use.
For the sake of this tutorial, please use this photo:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/532648
Now, open it up, or paste it and resize it on a different size canvas as I did.
Once you do, you want to duplicate it. So go to layer>duplicate, Then go to filters>map>warp, and leave the settings. Set the layer to hardlight, and merge them together.
Now, once again, we want to duplicate it. Now go to filters>artistic>oilify. Check the intensity algorithm box so the box is CHECKED. Set it to a low setting, 3-5 usually is good, and hit ok. Then set this layers mode to overlay at about 70% opacity. The reason I am being so vague in the settings is it depends on your personal preference, and it also depends on the image you are using. The more darks spots there are in the standard image, they will get bigger as you go along.
To fix those black spots, there are a few ways. The way I find the result looks best, is to go to layer>colors>curves, and add one point, and lift it about halfway up and close to the left edge. It leaves the image looking normal, and gets rid of the black spots.
And you are done. Unless you want to get the color on the road that I did. If so, go to the gradient dialog by going to the main page of GIMP, and select the incandescent gradient. Duplicate the image. Go to layer>colors>desaturate. This is necessary, though the coloring will show up mainly on the road. So go to filters>colors>gradient map. Then set it to overlay. Now see, isn’t that nice?
Note, when using other images, you do not want to use images with dark similar colors, or light similar colors. YOu want medium tones that differ throughtout the image. If not, the warp will not give you the right effect.And you may want to branch out with other options. I have found doing a gaussian blur after the oilify to come ou with a nice effect in some images. So enjoy.
C&C Please?
