“GIMP 2.8 for Photographers” (US$39.95) is a 400-page, beginner’s guide to the only open source image-editing tool that provides a no-cost alternative to expensive programs such as Photoshop.

Image editing is a crucial element in the photographic workflow. Image-editing tools, most notably Photoshop, are usually sophisticated, deep applications that are fairly expensive. The only open source tool in this market is GIMP, which has developed into a powerful, multiplatform system running on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. With Photoshop now only being available on Adobe’s Creative Could, many people are looking for alternatives and GIMP has immense appeal.

Topics in “GIMP 2.8 for Photographers” include the new user interface and tools, the basics of image editing and simple adjustments, advanced techniques using layers and masks, developing RAW images, working with the improved text tool, and preparing high-quality black-and-white images. The most important editing functions are presented in individual workshops.

A bonus section on the included DVD describes special techniques for web graphics. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/l6pgbd4 .