please the eye. For people who want to try [it], there are a lot of software [programs]. They can try them and choose the one that they prefer.
Describe a special tip that an experienced HDR photographer might find useful.
I don’t think I can teach something to HDR gurus, but I can tell something to beginners: the best HDR images are the ones that don’t look [like] HDR.
What do you use GIMP for specifically?
I use it for straightening, cropping, and for some layers operations. I find layers and layer masks very useful and powerful. I use them to apply local contrast to images and to enhance contrast (doubled layer with “soft light” mode and reduced opacity.)
Tell us about how you came to use GIMP and/or other open source graphics tools?
I’ve always used GIMP for editing images. It’s the first program I used, and despite a not-so-user-friendly interface, I liked the power of this software. Now the interface [is] way better, and I keep using it more and more.
Are you using the new GIMP 2.8.0? On which platform (Mac, Linux, PC)? Are you happy with 2.8?
gimpmagazine.org
At the moment I’m using a 2.7.5 compiled version because 2.8.0 is slower on my machine and because the version I use
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has some integrated plugins (heal transparency and heal selection) that I sometimes use.
What is the number one feature you would like to see in the next version of GIMP or the packages of your choice?
Adjustment layers. Adjustment layers allow you to change the properties of an image without actually changing the actual pixels in the image. This is also referred to as non-destructive editing. [Editors Note: I understand that non-destructive editing is coming to GIMP, and that this is a result of integrating GEGL into the core product.]
Are there any special projects you want to tell the world about? And how can people reach you (Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?
[Two projects are] a book with my HDR images of Genoa and a personal site with my portfolio, but . . . I will not abandon my social presence on the web—on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/anzanov/) and on 500px (http://500px.com/AnZanov). ■