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How to create a halo
This tutorial uses the GNU Image Manipulation program (better known to common folk as the GIMP) to create a realistic looking halo complete with over the the top sunbursts. I ran this tutorial using the latest beta of Gimp version 2.7 but you can use an version upwards from 2.5. I did it more as a test of GIMP which I have used often for logo and banner design but have yet to really test in the area of image manipulation. So, let’s get started.
Step 1
So, the above image is our starting point. I wasn’t too fussed about the background (that was going to be changed although it would probably be nice to have a nice outdoor scene as a starting point) and a few other details would be modified later. It always helps to start off with a fairly large sized image as the details are easier to add before scaling the final image. I used my trusty Canon EOS 350D for the shot.
Step 2
Okay, so the aim here for this particular image is to remove any unwanted elements from the picture as we’re only interested in the main subject and nothing else. There’s a cracked wall and some other bits and pieces that we don’t want there.
Previously I would use the Path tool to select around my image (very painstaking) and then turn the Path into a Selection before copying and pasting the Selection into a new layer. Not only is the Path tool a pain but it’s not going to be accurate enough to capture fine details (such as the subjects hair). I found what works well in this case where the background is practically white are Colour Levels.
I first make a duplicate layer containing the original picture (Shift+control+d) just in case I mess really up and have to start again for whatever reason. I rename this layer ‘Subject’. On this layer I click on Colours on the main toolbar, followed by Levels. Remember, for the purposes of this tutorial the values for Levels set are based on this picture, you will need to experiment to see what works for you. Anyway, these are the values I used: Black: 50, Gamma: 1.78, White: 165
Hmmm, okay. Not too shabby. Using the Levels suggested we have eliminated any detail on the jumper reducing it to a black colour and added some warm tones to the skin by altering the Gamma level AND adjusted the background to be nearly white. This makes the job of removing the rest of the background that little bit easier.
Step 3
We’ll work on removing the rest of the background now. I first use the Fuzzy Select tool (shortcut key u) to highlight any areas of non white in the Subjet layer background and control+x to cut them away. I then use the Eraser tool to to carefully remove extra bits that the Fuzzy Select tool didn’t pick up.
Step 4
We now have a subject image with a completely white background and I’ve used a black brush (type ‘d’ to use default foreground and background colours) followed by (‘b’ to select the Brush tool) of a reasonable size to colour in the ‘v’ portion of the jumper to make it all black. Note I also used the Fuzzy Select tool to capture the region between the subject’s left arm and body and control+x to cut it away.
So now, all the preparation is complete, the image is now ready for the halo. The plan here was to size the halo to be a little bit bigger than the subject’s head and to angle it so it was parallel with the subject’s head (if that makes any sense). Create a new layer called, ‘halo main‘. Within this layer select the Circle Tool (shortcut key e) and size out an appropriate elipse shape roughly the size and position you want.
