[Gimp-user] How to edit/modify part of an image (sub-area of an image)?

[rhimbo <forums gimpusers com>]

Hello everyone,

Just for context, let me say that I'm still relatively unskilled in Gimp...

I would like to modify part of a photo, for example a .jpg photo. For instance,
I want to adjust the exposure or lighting of some sub-area of the whole photo.
How can I do that?

The context of my question is as follows. Without using a neutral density
filter, often it's very difficult (nearly impossible!) to shoot certain scenes
so that all parts of the image have the optimal exposure. For example, the sky
might have the right exposure but a building or foliage might be too dark. Or,
depending on your choice of image area for metering measurement, the
ground/foliage might be properly exposed but the sky over-exposed. I have many
photos right now for which I'd like to lighten the dark areas without
over-exposing the sky.

I've tried playing with selecting a rectangle and changing lighting but I must
be making user errors. Could someone please point me in the right direction....?

Many thanks,



-- 
rhimbo (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)