How to Blend Different Exposures in GIMP
Blending exposures is the process used to create HDR (High-Dynamic Range) photographs, and involves merging multiple photos, each with a different exposure, to create a single image with a dynamic range similar to what the human eye sees. This results in realistic images without dark shadows or overexposed windows. Exposure blending can be achieved using any advanced graphics editing program, such as GIMP and Photoshop.
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Instructions
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Open GIMP by clicking "Start," then "All Programs" and then "GIMP."
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Click "Ctrl" and "O" to open the "Open" window. Select one of the photographs you want to merge, then click "Open."
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Click the "New Layer" button on the bottom of the "Layers" panel to create a new layer. With the new layer selected, navigate to the second photograph located on your computer; click and then drag it onto the GIMP canvas window. The photograph will be placed into the layer above the original photograph.
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4
Align the images. Click the "Opacity" slider on the "Layers" panel and slide it to a lower percentage so the bottom layer is visible through the top layer. Click the layer and use the arrow keys to move it until both of the images are aligned, then return the opacity to normal.
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Add a full opacity layer mask. Right-click on the top image and select "Add Layer Mask," then choose "White" and click "OK."
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Click the paintbrush tool on the toolbar, then click the color square and choose "Black." Close the dialog. Paint over the area of the image where you want to bottom image to show through. For example, paint over an overexposed window if the bottom layer is the darker exposure. Repeat on each location until you've revealed the necessary parts of the bottom layer. Zoom in on the edges of the area you paint to make sure you removed the necessary parts.
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Press "Ctrl" and "S" on your keyboard to save the image over the original image, or "File," then "Save As" to save the project as a new image, preserving the original for later use. Enter a name and choose a file type such as "JPEG," then press "Enter."
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Close GIMP.
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