Creating a Collage

As you know if you read my previous post, I've been invited to contribute a photo collage to a 2013 calendar focused on the subject of peace. Obviously this will be occupying most of my creative time for the next few weeks, especially since I've never used GIMP to create a photo collage. So, if you're wondering how it's done, here goes:

1. In GIMP, select File-->New to create a new file

2. Select Image-->Scale Image and set the dimensions for your collage. You can set the dimensions in pixels, inches, etc in the first drop down menu on the right (next to the boxes where you can enter the width/height. Note: the aspect ratio is locked by default. To change this so that it doesn't automatically adjust the width when you set the height (or vice versa), click on the box that looks like chain next to the boxes for entering the value for width and height. Click the "scale" button at the bottom when you are satisfied with the dimensions.

3. You're ready to add photos now! I'd recommend using photos that have already been adjusted for contrast, tone, etc as a starting point. So, how do you add photos? Well, you'll need to select File-->Open As Layers for each image you want to add.

4. If your photo isn't the size you want it to be (and most likely it's not), you'll need to adjust the size of the layer (NOT scale image, but scale layer). How? In the layers dockable dialog box. This is a little moveable toolbox that says "layers" at the top, and it should have one entry for each pictures you import, plus an entry for your background. The layers dialog box should open as a default in GIMP, but if it doesn't you can go to Windows-->Dockable Dialogs-->Layers.

5. In the layers dialog box, right click on the image you want to resize. From the menu that appears, select "scale layer". Now you can resize the image just as you normally would. You will need to do this for each photo that is not the right size.

6. Lastly, move everything around and fiddle with the background colors until you are happy with the appearance. That's it!


My photo collage is very much still a work in progress, but I figured I'd go ahead and share what I have so far. I'm still working on shooting/editing photos to add, and obviously I still have some work to do arranging the photos. I am the only photographer in the calendar, and since everyone else is painting or drawing, I've been using artistic filters to edit my photos to fit with the stylistic theme. I'd love some feedback if you have any initial reactions/suggestions :)

A Timely Contribution to Charity

I know I've been rambling on quite a bit lately about how to find an audience and get some artistic criticism, but I think I've failed to pay proper homage to the importance of having a supportive group of family and friends. I think I would have given up on the idea that my work might be enjoyable to anyone but me many times over were it not for the encouragement I've received from my amazing family and friends. For instance, my Uncle Steve recommended that I start this blog. And now, thanks to my fabulous grandmother, I am pleased to report that I've been invited by her friend Jolene DeLisa to contribute a photo collage for a 2013 charity calendar revolving around the theme of peace.

Please indulge me as I depart, for a moment, from the theme of photography in order to give you a bit of background information on the Great Peace March, which is the inspiration for the calendar. In 1986, approximately 1,200 gathered in Los Angeles, California with the intention of marching to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate their commitment to and passion about nuclear disarmament. In the face of substantial adversity, a core of between 300 and 400 of the original marchers, in addition to several hundred more who joined along the way, arrived in D.C. in November of 1986. My grandmother, Connie Fledderjohann, was among the core of marchers who made the full trip; she has co-authored a book about the Great Peace March (yes, she is THAT awesome), and her friend Jolene from the march, as part of her continuing commitment to peace, has decided to make a calendar for charity centered on the the theme of peace. She is seeking artists from around the world, and hoping that the theme of peace will relate to the artist's specific cultural context. The calendar is called The World at Peace, and it will be available for purchase on Amazon.

I'm excited to be a part of the project, and I'm looking forward to learning some new editing techniques in the process. I've never made a photo collage in GIMP before, so you can bet I'll be posting what I learn soon!