The original image was an 8x10 photo, scanned and saved to pcx format. The original pcx dimensions were 523x646, with a file size of 991.7kb. The image was resized to 250x309, yeilding a file size of 226.9kb. After resizing, the image was sharpened once.

First I duplicated my image so I wouldn't accidentally over-write the original. Then I removed all color by using Colors | Colorize. I used Colors | Colorize rather than Gray Scale so that I would have the various filters at my disposal should I want them. Going to Black and White via the Colors | Colorize option also allows you to add bits of color to an otherwise black and white image.

I added a border to the top of the image to make room for a feathered selection I plan to make. Without the added border, the top of the selection would turn out flat.... not good on an oval selection.

The selection was made using the Selection Tool, Selection Type: Ellipse, Feather : 0, Antialias: checked.

The selection was softened with Selections | Modify | Feather, the feather set to 20 pixels.

Inverting the selection and hitting the delete key once removes the outer edges of the image, allowing the portrait to blend into the background.

To change the drab picture into one that grabs your attention, adjust the Brightness | Contrast setting to brightness : 0 and contrast : 41

Crop the excess and save.

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