Beginning GIMP: From Novice to
Professional, Second Edition
(Beginning from Novice to
Professional) by Akkana Peck
Buy This Book!
Author Akkana Peck demonstrates the usage of layer masks in GIMP with
a little help from Tux. From first installation to advanced image
manipulation techniques, Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional,
Second Edition explains how anyone can utilize The GIMP: a free, open
source image manipulation program. You will learn how to install The
GIMP on Windows, Linux, and MacOS X platforms. Once you’ve installed
the application, you’ll learn about the interface and configuration options,
and then jump into a quick and simple project to familiarize yourself.
With four–color graphics and screenshots throughout, you’ll learn
how to prepare camera images for display on web pages—including

processes like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Utilizing layers,
paths, and masks are also covered in extensive detail. Of course, you will
also learn how to draw lines and shapes; utilize patterns and gradients;
and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients.
GIMP expert and author Akkana Peck teaches you how to touch up
digital photographs, smudging away blemishes, fixing red–eye, and
stitching panoramic images. You’ll learn how to tap into the powerful filters,
effects, and plug–ins that are available for The GIMP and automate tasks
using scripts. The entire book is approached in a project–based manner,
and as you progress, numerous projects will help strengthen your newly
acquired abilities.
What you’ll learn Install The GIMP on Windows, Linux, and
Mac OSX. Explore the interface and configuration options. Prepare
your camera images for use on the Web, including rescaling, cropping, and
balancing color. Learn basic techniques such as drawing lines and
shapes, utilizing patterns, and making use of gradients. Master advanced
techniques such as layers, paths, and masks. Create your own brushes,
patterns, and gradients. Discover tricks for fixing blemishes, removing
redeye, and stitching together panoramic images.
Who is this book for? This book is for graphics designers, digital
photographers, and hobbyists. It’s is aimed at those who need to utilize a
full–featured image manipulation program but don’t have hundreds of
dollars to pay for Photoshop. The GIMP is also the preferred image
manipulation application for the open source advocate. The GIMP is
available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX.
About the Apress Beginning Series The Beginning series from
Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that
crucial entry–level job. These books will teach you a standard and
important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly
designed to take you from “novice to professional.” You’ll start your journey
by seeing what you need to know—but without needless theory and filler.
You’ll build your skill set by learning how to put together real–world
projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge
or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take
you there—it is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory!
Personal Review: Beginning GIMP: From Novice to
Professional, Second Edition (Beginning from Novice to
Professional) by Akkana Peck
A few weeks ago I knew nothing whatsoever about the GIMP.
I downloaded version 2.6 and decided to learn how to use it.
After a frustrating attempt to educate myself with the online
help files I turned to Akkana Peck's Beginning Gimp, second edition.

I found her book to be just what I needed. It's a big book at just
under 600 pages, but I found it a reasonably quick read due in large
part to many full color examples and Akkana's clear writing style.
It is not easy to write technical documentation, and so it is wonderful
to encounter such a well written work. Ms. Peck has the rare talent
of being able to present volumes of technical information in a manner
that has enough detail to be useful, without overwhelming the reader with
minutiae, or being boring. Her style makes heavy use of examples,
which are nicely illustrated (kudos to the publisher to spending the extra
money for color images). Key concepts are presented in a well ordered
manner, making it quite painless to understand the "Zen" of GIMP.
After reading the book cover to cover, working through most of the
example exercises, I feel I have expanded my image processing abilities
immensely. By the way, you can (and should) download all the example
material found on the publishers web site.
Many thanks to the extraordinarily talented programmers who created
this remarkable program. Thanks also to those who have created the
online help files (which are quite useful once one has a basic
understanding of the GIMP).
And thanks again to Akkana Peck for making the initial learning curve so
pleasant!
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