Adding a vignette to a photograph can help draw the viewer’s attention to the central subject, create a more dramatic atmosphere, or give a vintage look to your images. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of adding a vignette to a photograph using the popular free and open-source image editor, GIMP.
Step 1: Open Your Image in GIMP
Start by opening the photograph you want to edit in GIMP. You can go to ‘File’ > ‘Open’ and select your image from the file browser.
Step 2: Add a New Layer
Next, add a new layer to work on. Go to the ‘Layer’ menu, choose ‘New Layer,’ and click ‘OK’ to create a new transparent layer on top of your image.
Step 3: Create the Vignette Effect
Select the Ellipse Select Tool from the toolbox and draw an elliptical selection around the central subject of your image. Go to ‘Select’ > ‘Invert’ to invert the selection, leaving the central area unselected.
Now, go to ‘Colors’ > ‘Brightness-Contrast’ and adjust the settings to darken the outer areas of the image, creating the vignette effect. You can also experiment with other tools like the ‘Vignette’ filter under Filters > Light and Shadow for different looks.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once you are satisfied with the vignette effect, you can make final adjustments to the overall image, add any additional filters or effects, and save your edited photograph in your desired format.
Adding a vignette to your photographs with GIMP is a simple yet effective way to enhance your images and make them more visually appealing. Experiment with different settings and techniques to achieve the desired look for your photos!