Need Help with the Basics of Post Processing (Using only Free Software)

[RPG Master]

A few weeks ago for my birthday I decided to really get into photography and get a dSLR. I believe that I've got a pretty good idea of what makes a good picture (check my Picasa album in my sig) but I think I could make my pictures look better with some Post Processing, which I have no experience in. And I don't know where to go to learn, especially because of my choice of programs (UFRaw and GIMP). I'ed be willing to use some other programs... as long as they are both free and available for Linux

So, I come here looking for help, tips, or a point in the right direction
Any help would be greatly appreciated

(And comments on my pictures would be nice)

[RoyL]

The Gimp is one of the most confusing and complicated pieces of software, but there is thousands of tutorials available on the net. And as you are using Linux you don't have much choice.

My advise would be to create a windows boot disk and then you have access to a heap of free app's which are easy to work with. And you can also use the software that came with your camera. If you don''t want the trouble of a bootable disk then you can create a boot partition and use a boot manager to switch between OS's

[jiminyClickit]

RPG Master, Welcome

Long before you think about post processing, consider studying much more about choosing a subject, composition, getting good exposure in a photograph, framing a shot, lighting (waiting for the better time of day to shoot), and overall photography skills. There is nothing on Picasa that PP could improve, that couldn't be improved in-camera. I love editing, but if you can improve your photography, it's better to start there.

[wulf]

Originally Posted by RoyL

The Gimp is one of the most confusing and complicated pieces of software, but there is thousands of tutorials available on the net. And as you are using Linux you don't have much choice....

How much software have you used? I've come across plenty of things that make it look quite straightforward....

There is also plenty of documentation available on the web and the Gimp site is a good starting point.

Wulf

[RPG Master]

Thank you for the advise jiminyClickit. I think I am just going to focus on improving my photography before I start worrying about PP...

If I have any more question I'll be sure to come here