How do I cut out an image using Gimp?

How do you extract an image from a digital photo using GIMP?

• I want to extract the image of someone and them place that image onto another background, but I don't want to have the square image, I want only the persons physical appearance, none of the other background. I have heard that it is possible using GIMP, but even using the online manuals, I can find how to do what I want to do. Can someone help me?

• Answer:

  In order to "merge" two photos, both must be suitable candidates. It is no good if they include people who have bits chopped off, or who are covered by something else, etc. Make sure both shots were taken from the same angle and under the same lighting conditions. If angle and light don't match, it will never look anywhere near believable. Then you need a GOOD image editing program (such as Photoshop, Elements, Gimp or PSP). Use whatever selection tool is most appropriate for the job, isolate the person, then copy that person onto the other image, on a new layer. Blend the edges, and use a drop shadow to make it look more realistic. Projects like this are very easy to do if you don't care how good the end result looks. If you want it to look real, then you need to do a LOT of learning and practicing, these skills don't happen in a few hours. Keep trying with those tutorials. It is true, it won't be easy, but you'll just have to fight your way through them. Follow them step by step, and you'll get there in the end.