In this tutorial we will be turning a full color photograph into a black and white photograph with a splash of color applied to select elements of the photo. We will be using GIMP 2.10 for this 7 step technique , which is known as color splash, color pop or color isolation. If you'd like to see a video version of this tutorial, you will find it at the bottom of this tutorial or on YouTube.

Step 1: Find a picture with a standout feature

I recommend starting with a picture that has a standout object or color even before the color splash effect is applied. This picture composition will be that much more enhanced upon applying the color splash effect to that standout portion of the picture. Once the picture is identified, open it in GIMP.

Step 2: Edit picture brightness and contrast

This is an optional step, but I recommend applying some basic edits to the photo brightness and contrast. This can be done by selecting Colors -> Brightness-Contrast menu item, then making brightness contrast adjustments in the Brightness-Contrast dialog box that opens.

Step 3: Duplicate Layer

Create a new layer that is a copy of the existing layer by right clicking the layer with your image and selecting Duplicate Layer from the popup menu that appears. This new layer will be modified in the following steps.

Step 4: Add alpha channel to top layer

The alpha channel adds transparency to the top layer, therefore, when we begin erasing from the top layer that will reveal color from the bottom layer. Adding an alpha channel is accomplished by right clicking the top layer and selecting Add Alpha Channel from the popup menu that appears. You won't experience the effects of adding the alpha channel until step 6.

Step 5: Remove color from (desaturate) top layer

You can't have a splash of color without the rest of the image being in black and white. Desaturating the top layer makes it black and white. This can be done by selecting Colors -> Desaturate -> Desaturate menu item, then selecting Average from the Desaturate dialog box that opens.

Step 6: Erase the color isolation area from top layer

This step involves erasing areas of the top layer to reveal a splash of color from the bottom layer. Use the erase tool with the Hardness 050 brush, to begin erasing. You may want to start with the outline, then work your way in, zooming in and out as necessary.

Step 7: Additional color enhancement

 To make the splash of color a little more vibrant, you may want to use the color balance tool available at Colors -> Color Balance.

And that is it!

If you have any questions, or would like to provide a link to a color splash photo that you've edited, sign up to the site, then log in and leave a comment below. Also find some other color splash photos that I've done below. Also, for more JayMedia pics visit the @jaymedia_group instagram. You can also visit my personal instagram: @dionjohnson.

Did you hear about the announcement of next year's NFL expansion teams? Inspired by the team that currently hails from our nation's capital, you may see the following three teams break onto the scene in the upcoming season:

• Washington Negros
• Washington Eses
• Washington Orientals

Before I go any further, let me first say that I am a fan of the Washington Redskins. My household has a couple jerseys that we occasionally wear. I get into debates with my brother, who is unfortunately a Giants fan, about which team is the best. Here are some pictures from my man-cave.

Rightly or wrongly, I don't currently have a strong opinion regarding the team's name and logo. The primary issue that I have with the Washington Redskins is their consistent inability to be good. They had a chance with RGIII a few years ago, before they snapped his leg backwards in a playoff game that he shouldn't have been playing in, but that is a different debate for a different time.

Despite all of this, however, I can't help but to see the irony in the existence of the Washington Redskins' moniker during a time period that is known for pushing social sensitivity almost to a fault. Sure you can shoot an unarmed black person in the streets with little to no consequences, but social media would normally have a field day with the use of a name or symbol deemed insensitive featuring a person of color. Look at what happened to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. A 30 year old photo surfaced of individuals in black face and a KKK hood, and he admitted to being in that photo. This image wasn't even recent and the calls for his resignation were deafening. You don't even have to use a lasting visual symbol, to spark outrage; colorful language will also do the trick. Papa John got caught seemly auditioning for 12 Years A Slave with his use of the 'N' word on a conference call, and that was enough to land him in hot water. So how has such questionable intellectual property been allowed to fly for so long with the Washington Redskins, and so many other sports teams when it comes to Native Americans (Tomahawk chop, anyone)? I'm not asking out of outrage, but out of shear curiosity. How did they find the loophole in our social consciousness? Some PhD student needs to write a paper on this topic, and thank me later for the idea when you receive your degree.

Until we figure it out, why not create these three new expansion teams? Admittedly, there has been no official announcement for these teams, yet (Surprise!), but I think it would be interesting to find out if the intolerance for insensitive imagery stops at Native Americans or if it just stops for all groups at the door of sports teams in general. Read a little more about each team below.

Washington Negros

Justification: The term negro has been used proudly by blacks in America, and it is steeped in history as a term of empowerment. This team name is not derogatory, but instead honors that strength.

Team Souvenirs: Afro Picks

Team Call/Rallying Cry: Right on, jive turkeys!

Washington Eses

Justification: Ese is simply a slang term similar to saying bro. We are all brothers on this team, so it represents everything that we stand for.

Team Souvenirs: Bandanas

Team Call/Rallying Cry: Hey holmes! 

Washinton Orientals

Justification: Oriental means "of the Orient" or "east". It represents geographic origin and pride. Much like it is believed that the first Redskins coach was Native American with no aversion to the name, the first coach of this team will be asian. 

Team Souvenirs: Nunchucks 

Team Call/Rallying Cry: Hiyaa!