How can you use GIMP to create stunning black and white architectural photos?

1 Step 1: Open your image in GIMP

The first step is to open your image in GIMP. You can do this by clicking on File > Open and selecting your image file from your computer. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your image onto the GIMP window. Once your image is opened, you will see it in the main canvas area, along with the toolbox and the layers panel on the sides.

2 Step 2: Convert your image to grayscale

The next step is to convert your image to grayscale, which means removing all the color information from it. You can do this by clicking on Image > Mode > Grayscale. This will change your image to a black and white version, but it may look flat and dull. Don't worry, you will fix that in the next steps.

3 Step 3: Adjust the levels

The third step is to adjust the levels of your image, which means changing the brightness and contrast of the different tones in your image. You can do this by clicking on Colors > Levels. This will open a dialog box with a histogram that shows the distribution of the dark, mid, and light tones in your image. You can drag the sliders below the histogram to change the input levels, which will affect how the tones are mapped to the output levels. You can also drag the sliders above the histogram to change the output levels, which will affect the overall brightness and contrast of your image. You can use the preview option to see how your changes affect your image. The goal is to create a balanced and dynamic image with a good range of tones.

4 Step 4: Apply a high-pass filter

The fourth step is to apply a high-pass filter to your image, which means enhancing the edges and details of your image. You can do this by clicking on Filters > Enhance > High Pass. This will open a dialog box with a radius slider that controls how much detail is added to your image. You can use the preview option to see how your changes affect your image. The goal is to create a subtle but noticeable effect that makes your image sharper and more defined.

5 Step 5: Change the blending mode

The fifth step is to change the blending mode of your high-pass layer, which means changing how it interacts with the original image layer. You can do this by clicking on the drop-down menu next to the mode label in the layers panel and selecting Overlay. This will blend the high-pass layer with the original image layer, creating a more contrasty and textured image.

6 Step 6: Fine-tune your image

The final step is to fine-tune your image, which means making any additional adjustments to your image that you think are necessary. You can do this by using any of the tools or filters available in GIMP, such as cropping, rotating, dodging, burning, sharpening, or adding a vignette. You can also use the layer masks and opacity sliders to control how much of each effect is applied to your image. The goal is to create an image that reflects your artistic vision and style.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?