How to Use Gimp to Fake a Tilt Shift Effect

When learning how to use Gimp, there are dozens of different skills and techniques that you will need to learn. Gimp is a free but capable piece of photo editing software. It can be very complicated, which is why you really need to take the time to master all of the techniques properly.

It's possible to use Gimp to create a fake Tilt Shift Effect which looks very realistic. This is surprisingly easy to do as long as you know what to do. This tutorial will show you the basics of the process so that you can create your own tilt shift effect photos.

Step 1: Opening the Image

Load Gimp on your computer and open your image. Depending on the size of the image and the age of your computer, this might take a long time to complete.

Step 2: Switching the Layer Masks on

To create this effect, you will need to turn on the switch mask. There are a number of ways that you can do this. Click on Select, Toggle Quick Mask or alternatively press Shirt and Q.

This will turn the image pink. Click on the gradient tool and set it to bi-linear.

Step 3: The Mask

Now you will need to choose the focal point of your image. Try to determine all of the areas of the photo that you want to be in and out of focus. Click on the center part which you want to be focused. You can experiment with angles and the location of the center point to adjust the look of the mask.

Step 4: Blurring

With the mask applied, you can then use the Gaussian Blur feature. To do this click on Filters, Blur and select Gaussian Blur. Adjust the radius of the Blur until you are happy with it, normally the radius should be around 5 or 10.

When the blur is set correctly, the quick mask can be deleted by clicking on Select, All.

Step 5: Adjusting the Curves

The last step is to adjust the curves by clicking on Layer, Colors, Curves. Adjust the curve until you have an image that you are happy with.