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

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp001.jpg

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

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp002.jpg

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:

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp003.jpg

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:

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp004.jpg

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

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp005.jpg

Blending (click to view larger)

Result:

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp/how-to-colour-gradient-match-photos-in-gimp-4.jpg

The Result!

That’s it! :)

Here is the original:

Original Photograph

If you get stuck anywhere just comment below!

If you’d like to use these photographs please Contact Me!

Please comment below if you have any questions and I’ll answer them ASAP!

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!

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7 Comments Post a comment

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Emily

Dec 26 2015

There’s something wrong with eiethr the download or the way they’re loaded, then. I promise they work in Gimp. You may try downloading the image pack and loading that up.Otherwise, I’m afraid I can’t help other than the installation instructions I give on my installation page. I’m not a GIMP user. These are Photoshop brushes first and foremost GIMP merely added the functionality for them to work there, too, so I advertise them as such. And they DO work, when loaded properly. :)I’m sorry I couldn’t help more, but there should be a plethora of how to use Photoshop ABR brushes in GIMP internet results out there. Best of luck!

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Mike

Jan 7 2011

Thanks for the feedback Manuel – just wondering what is your screen resolution?

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Manuel Leon

Jan 7 2011

I liked your tutorial but Had a little trouble following the instructions because most of the space on my monitor was occupied by your web page headings and advertisements. Thanks anyways.