GIMP Tutorial Double Exposure

In this tutorial, we will explore how to create stunning double exposure images using GIMP 2.10. Double exposure is a photographic technique that combines two different images into a single frame, creating a surreal and artistic effect. This guide will take you through the entire process, from downloading images to finalising your artwork.

To start, we need to gather a couple of images that we will use for our double exposure effect.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to a free image site like Pixabay.
2. Search for images that you would like to use. For this tutorial, we will download a landscape and a portrait image.
3. Click on the image you want, select the highest resolution, and click on the download button. If prompted, create an account or log in using your Facebook account to access the downloads.
4. Once downloaded, locate the images in your folder and drag them onto your desktop for easy access.
5. Open GIMP and create a new project by going to File > New.
6. Set the width to 1920 pixels and the height to 1080 pixels. Click on Advanced Options and set the resolution to 72 DPI. Choose to fill the background with transparency and click OK.
7. You will now have a blank canvas ready for your artwork.
8. Drag and drop the landscape image from your desktop into GIMP.
9. Use the Ctrl key and the mouse wheel to zoom out, allowing you to see the entire canvas.
10. Adjust the size of the landscape image by clicking on it and using the yellow handles to scale it down. Set the opacity to around 50-60% to see the canvas background through the image.
11. Position the landscape image so that it fits well within the canvas, leaving a small gap around the edges.
12. Once satisfied, set the opacity back to 100%.
13. Now, drag and drop the portrait image into GIMP.
14. Again, scale it down using the yellow handles and adjust the opacity to around 50-60% to help with positioning.
15. Once positioned correctly, set the opacity back to 100%.
16. Select the portrait layer in the layers panel.
17. Use the Magic Wand Tool to click on the white background of the portrait image. Set the threshold to around 25 to effectively select the white areas.
18. Press Ctrl + X or go to Edit > Cut to remove the white background.
19. Deselect everything by going to Select > None.
20. If there is a white outline remaining, right-click on the image and select Alpha to Selection. Then go to Select > Shrink and shrink the selection by 4 pixels. If needed, you can also use Select > Grow to adjust the selection slightly.
21. Copy the selected image by going to Edit > Copy.
22. Create a new layer by clicking on the new layer icon in the layers panel. Set this layer to transparency and click OK.
23. Paste the copied image into this new layer and anchor it.
24. You can hide the original portrait layer for now to focus on the cut-out image.
25. Use the Eraser Tool with a soft brush to clean up any remaining white edges around the cut-out image.
26. Zoom in for precision and carefully erase any unwanted highlights or edges.
27. Once satisfied, save your work by going to File > Save As and name it appropriately.
28. Create another new layer and fill it with white. This will serve as the background for your double exposure.
29. Select the top layer (the portrait) and set its mode to Multiply. This will blend the two images together.
30. Adjust the opacity of the white layer to allow the landscape to show through subtly.
31. Position the landscape image as desired, ensuring it complements the portrait.
32. You can further enhance your image by adjusting the color levels. Go to Colors > Levels and adjust the right handle to brighten the image.
33. Experiment with the opacity of the layers to achieve the desired effect.
34. You can also play with different blending modes like Soft Light or Overlay to create unique looks.
35. Once you are happy with your double exposure image, save your work again.
36. To export the final image, go to File > Export As and choose JPEG format. Set the compression to 90% and click Export.
37. You can now use your double exposure image as a desktop background or share it online.

Creating double exposure images in GIMP is a fun and creative process that allows you to blend different images into a single artwork. By following these steps, you can experiment with various images and effects to develop your unique style. Don’t hesitate to explore and play around with different settings to achieve the best results. Happy editing!