One of the features I enjoy most about The Gimp is the array of filters and script-fu plugins which are available.
This image doesn't look bad. It's just a nice scenery shot. But what if I wanted the sun in the picture? Is that possible? After looking at the available plugins, I'd have to answer yes.
As of the writing of this article, 3 plugins exist to add a light source to an image. The first one is called "FlareFX" and can be found by following Filters -> Light Effects -> Flare FX. When you click on it, a menu will appear.
It doesn't have too many options, but the results are okay.
For a plugin that requires little or no manipulation, this one does its job nicely.
So what if you want to play with the plugin a little bit? What if the results from Flare FX aren't good enough for your image?
To the average eye, that is a very convincing photo of the sun shining through that tree. Not bad for a stock plugin, if you ask me.
Now if you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary light source, the supernova plugin provides some interesting effects.
You can load the plugin by following Filters -> Light Effects -> SuperNova.
If blue doesn't work for ya, you can change it to any color you wish.
Seeing a blue sun sparked my creativity, and I wondered if I could change the colors of everything in the image. I found I could do it by using the Alien Map 2 filter found by navigating Filters -> Colors -> Map -> Alien Map 2.
Now that is some seriously green grass! I thought I'd spice it up a bit by adding a red supernova effect to the new extreme color scheme.
I did so using just two plugins from two menus full of plugins.
The possibilities are endless... Let the creativity begin.