grab the desired .scm file from the repository
and move the downloaded file to the
...\.gimp-2.x\scripts folder. Note that the
.gimp-2.x folder is hidden by default, so you
have to configure the Windows file browser to
show hidden files in order to perform these
steps. The steps required to install scripts in
the Mac port of GIMPare quite complex, so
we will stick to describing just the Windows
version for now.
Most scripts add a dedicated command or
menu to the GIMPinterface, although the
exact location depends on the script’s
individual settings. For example, the Orton
Effect script adds a dedicated command to
the Script-Fu > Enhance menu, while the
Vintage Look script is accessible via the
Filters > Artistic menu. You can often find
clues as to where a script puts its commands
in the description, so make sure you read it
before installation.
The plug-in registry offers scripts that
cover a wide range of tasks, from removing
purple fringing to hiding text messages inimages (a technique known as stenography).
There are also a number of scripts available
that can help you to fix common problems
and create some interesting effects.Contrast Fix
The Contrast Fix script (http://registry.gimp.
org/node/182) enables you to selectively fix
under- or overexposed images and recover
shadows in targeted images areas. To fix an
entire photo, choose Script-Fu > Darla >
Contrast Fix and select either the Too Dark
drop-down option for underexposed photos or
the Bright/Burned Outoption for overexposed
images. To fix selected image areas you have
to specify a threshold value. To determine the
required value, navigate to Tools > Color Tools
> Threshold before you run the script, and use
the sliders to isolate the parts of the photo you
wish to fix. Note the resulting threshold value
and close the Apply Threshold dialog window.
You can now run then the Contrast Fix script
and enter the value you noted into theThreshold Mask field. The script also allows you
to specify a tint color to apply to the white
areas when fixing overexposure, which is great
for fixing burned-out skies. Simply select
the Color tone (sky)item in the Burnout Tint
drop-down list and click OK. The script will then
add a dash of color to your washed-out sky.EvenTone
The EvenTone script (http://registry.gimp.
org/node/13362) can be used to enhance
portraits by smoothing skin tones and
removing blemishes. Once installed, the script
is located under Filters > Light and Shadow >
EvenTone. The script’s dialog window has just
one adjustable parameter called Blur factor,
and the default value usually produces pretty
good results. The script doesn’t automatically
merge the layers of the finished image, so you
can make further adjustments by tweaking
individual layers. For example, to add extra
sharpness, the script’s author recommends
that you switch the High Pass Sharpen layer
to Grain Merge mode. If you want to fix skin
blemishes, simply switch the High Pass
Sharpen layer off.Exposure Blend
Combining multiple shots with different
exposure settings is a popular technique for
producing a well-exposed photo, and the
Exposure Blend script (tir.astro.utoledo.
edu/jdsmith/code/exposure_blend.php)
enables you to perform this clever trick
directly via the GIMPinterface. The script is
simple to use, but nevertheless offers a
number of high-end features, including
various smoothing options, optional
histogram trimming for better contrast and
Differencing alignment mode, which
simplifies manual image alignment. The latter
is particularly useful if you shoot your source
photos without the use of a tripod. To launch
the script, select Filters > Exposure Blend >
Blend. This opens the Blend dialog, where you
can select your three (normal, dark and light)
source photos and specify your blend
parameters. The default values usually
produce satisfactory results, but if you want to
get the most out of the script, be sure to read
the detailed explanation of the its
functionality at the project’s website.Photo Effects
The plug-in registry also contains a variety of
scripts for applying artistic effects to images,
including Photo Effects (http://registry.gimp.
org/node/25636) and assorted scripts
by elsamuko (http://sites.google.com/site/GIMP Add-ons | RAW Development
- The Exposure Blend script is designed to merge up to three
differently-exposed source photos into a single well-exposed
image. The script can also align source photos before blending
them, which is extremely useful if you shoot your source
material handheld.