How can I adjust exposure in only one part of an image using free tools like GIMP or Darktable?
Asked 7/9/2012
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I want to brighten or darken just a specific area of a photo rather than changing the whole image. Is there a way to do this with free/open-source software such as RawTherapee, GIMP/UFRaw, or another tool?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I'm doing it my way in GIMP - I take "Free select tool", select the part I want to modify. Then I feather the edges of the selection by 30-100px depending on the size of selection (most often I go for 50px), then I copy the feathered selection and past it as a new layer. This way I can do any adjustments to this particular bit and the rest of the image will remain untouched.
It takes time to post process an image this way, but it allows me to achieve desired results, so I like to work like this.
Originally by user8663. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8663
14y ago
0
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Yes. In free/open-source editors, this is usually done with a local adjustment rather than a global exposure change.
In GIMP, one community method is:
- Use the Free Select tool to select the area you want to change.
- Feather the selection edge so the transition looks natural (for example, roughly 30–100 px depending on image size).
- Copy and paste that feathered selection to a new layer.
- Adjust that layer independently so only that part of the image changes.
This takes a bit more time, but it gives you good control and keeps the rest of the image untouched.
Another free option is Darktable, which includes local-adjustment tools such as the Zone System module, allowing brightness/tone changes to selected tonal regions or areas.
Based on the answers provided, GIMP and Darktable are the clearest options here. RawTherapee/UFRaw were not specifically confirmed in the answers for this kind of targeted exposure adjustment.
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