GIMP is short for "GNU Image Manipulation Program."
It's free and open source, and runs on GNU/Linux, OS/X and Windows.
Version 1.0 came out in 1998. The current stable version is 2.10.6.
https://www.gimp.org/

How does it compare with PhotoShop? Is it easy to install and use?

(I apologize if this has already been discussed, but GIMP may have
gotten better. Also, PhotoShop and Lightroom have recently gone to a
subscription model: they own it, you lease it.)

Photography “Bigots, Bullies and Snobs”?

Strong words with nasty connotations. Bigotry is usually associated with racial, religious and cultural intolerance and injustice, however, I don't feel it is confined to those issues. In can be overt, covert or even subtle and veiled. Bullying is one of the byproducts bigotry. In my opinion, certain forms of snobbery is tantamount to “bigotry- lite”!

Do theses terrible attitudes exist in out craft, art, hobby or profession- photography? I prefer to think that most folks, around here, are not purposely engaging bigotry and all of its side effects but are some of us exhibiting some of the symptoms- perhaps inadvertently? One of the danger signals is stereotyping- assigning nicknames to the way others choose to enjoy or practice their photographic endeavors. Some of theses terms are not derogatory in and of themselves but in certain contexts they are snobbish,- to say the least. Here's a partial list; “snap-shooter, wannabe, faux-tographer, gear-head, picture-taker (as opposed to picture maker), appliance operator and techno-nerd etc. There's more and theses do not included the sarcasm like calling a apparently untalented photographer an “artiste” with the French inflection! I am not talking about anyone's specialization or preferred area of photography. Theses categorizations or pigeonholing is what has snide overtones and oftentimes degrade folks for their inexperience or lack of knowledge, know-how or savvy in the craft. Not nice! This sometimes manifests itself in extremely rude, snide, harsh and mean spirited responses and ensuing of protracted and vulgar -spirited clashes rather than sincere and passionate debate that precludes constructive criticism, mentoring, teaching and learning.

A little quasi-history. Henry Ford did not invent the automobile, he just mass produced cars and made them affordable and accessible to ordinary folks. Likewise, George Eastman did not invent photography- he just made it accessible, affordable and popular. Prior to that photography was in the domain of scientists- dealing with toxic and corrosive chemicals, some artists, chemists, experimenters and a few “professionals”. Modern photography as we know and love it, has been around for a long time as an art, profession, hobby and causal pastime. As a profession it is mostly unlicensed in most jurisdictions, so standards and ethics are set by each individual operator credentials and mastership offered by professionals association and schools are optional and voluntary- there's going to be a wide range of talent and competence and lack thereof. The best of the lot tend to flourish and the inapt usually go by the wayside. Business has a natural selection order that usually works out. Anyone can take up photography as a serious enthusiast or a casual hobbyist. Some folks consider it an art, others mainly a science and technology and some just enjoy tinkering and with and amassing equipment. With the advent of digital imaging on a professional and consumer level, many people come to photography through the computer and electronics word. More folks are taking, making, sharing and enhancing photographic imagery that ever before. “Cameras” are being built int just about everything electronic. Everyone can be a “photographer” in their own rite and enjoy the work as the see fit and are entitled to do so so long as they are not violating any laws or causing any harm.

A site like this is going to attract folks from any and all of the aforementioned places. There will be very different motivations, philosophies, levels of artistry and skill. We will find serious workers and folks just shooting some vacation shots and snapshots of the kids as they grow up. It's all good and if everyone could understand and accept theses rudimentary facts, this would be a more pleasant place circulate in.

Other aspects of bigotry are cultism, tribalism, scapegoating and placing blame where it isn't deserved. When folks become too obsessed with brands and types of gear, refuse to even examine others' approaches to methodology, styles and technique, hostilities often occur and progress, understand and learning stagnate. This is exacerbated when folks choose to ravishingly degrade someone else's points of view or notions for no valid reason. Then the unnecessary BLAME set in. Professionals sometimes blame amateur for their downturns in business, amateurs retaliate by stereotyping pros and “sticks-in the “ and non-creative hacks. All of this goes down because each camp or “cult” simply does not really and truly understand the others- their challenges, motivations, goals, and passions. Some photographers of all ilks BLAME automatic exposure and features, zoom lenses, and technological innovations and features such for laziness in photographers and the resulting bad images. Unfortunately, laziness is a bad habit that can be applied to a manual camera too!

I write this because I detest even “soft” prejudice and any form of bigotry, undeserved poor treatment of others and snobbishness just turns me off - it's never helpful or constructive. I have enjoyed photography as an art and a successful profession for most of my life. Early on, I was encouraged by more experienced amateurs who took out time to offer tips and help. Some endowed me with their unwanted gear and got me started in the darkroom. As a young studio apprentice (gofer) I was mentored well by the older guys- they liked to get on my case and in my face- my being the “kid” but there was love and good intentions in their hearts. I had the good fortune to eventually receive formal schooling and training in photography but in those those early days I learned all the things that usually do not surface in classrooms and books. The power in good teaching, helping and sharing and encouraging is enormous- its the nuclear energy of art and science. Bigotry, snobbishness and bullying are the antithesis of art.

The top two need better light (that reflector), and to get rid of the green. To do that, in Photoshop, go to Image>Adjustment>Color Balance and add some Magenta and Yellow. That adds a much healthier look to the skin.

The light in the top two has no direction. It is dull and flat and gives the face no shadows and shadows in portraits are what gives the face/body dimension. A reflector held HIGH could direct some sunlight from off to the side to give you that shadow.

The lower image has several issues. One is she is facing square to the camera making her look as broad as possible--made even worse by having her arms merge with her waist. For most people and certainly with most females we want some angle to the shoulders/body. It makes them appear thinner. We also want some space between the waist and arms.

The light in that lower one DOES have direction since she is shielded by a roof and the building off to camera left. But the light appears to be bounce off the ground, so is too low. A reflector held by someone out in the sun might have been the solution. Her face is also the darkest part of the image and it should be much brighter. That light setup also robs her of any catchlight in her eyes and that gives the eyes a lifeless look.

Natural light portraiture is ALL about finding and using the light. Just being outside is not enough.

This shot was taken at the city beach in Granbury while on a bright sunny day. Sand was trucked in just to make these Sand Castles. You have some serious shadows that will be challenging because of the afternoon sun. I know it is kind of a messy picture and thought it will be fun to see what everyone does to it. If you desire to crop the picture so be it. Just have some fun.


Feel free to download the photo and edit it anyway you like. Color shifts, crops, composites, black and white conversions are all acceptable. Then, when you have finished the edit, post the edit in this thread. Edits will be accepted until Thursday at 9 pm. At that time we will stop accepting edits and begin the voting. Thank you all for your efforts.