How to colour gradient match photos in GIMP

A really simple concept and easy to achieve, however the results are great – Colour Gradient Match Photos. This technique can be useful for creating a mood in a photograph taken from another image. This is more of a quick tip intended to help achieve certain effects and drive development.

Gradient Colour Match

1. Starting

• Open your chosen image up in GIMP
• And, your image with the Colours you want
• Create a New Layer

Starting (click to view larger)

2.a Two Main Colours – Select

• To get the 2 main colours, click the Foreground and Background Colours
• Use the Dropper/Pipet to select the colour
• Select on photo FG and BG

Two Main Colours - Select (click to view larger)

2.b More than 2 Colours – Blur

• On the Colour Image Layer, go Filters –> Gaussian Blur
• Set Blur to around 300, 300 (takes a while to process)
  

More than 2 Colours - Blur (click to view larger)

3.a Gradient – Blending (from 2.a)

• Now use the Gradient Tool: FG and BG (check settings)
• Stroke as shown, or however suits your image:

Gradient (click to view larger)

• Now, Select the layer Mode: Burn
• Move Opacity to ~60%
• If the Gradient Layer is too dark then increase Levels, Colors –> Levels (move middle slider left)

Result:

Blending Mode (click to view larger)

3.b. Blurred – Blending (from 2.b)

• Now, Select the layer Mode: Burn
• Move Opacity to ~75%
• If the Gradient Layer is too dark then increase Levels, Colors –> Levels (move middle slider left)
• Move the left slider inwards to saturate a little

Blending (click to view larger)

Result:

The Result!

That’s it! :)

Here is the original:

Original Photograph

If you get stuck anywhere just comment below!

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Written by Mike

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Michael Scott is the publisher and photographer behind Scott Photographics! He is very passionate about his photography and enjoys sharing the best of his experiences for others to enjoy too! Contact Mike via email!