11-09-2018, 09:36 AM
This is done with the "Curves" tool. You add contrast by changing the straight diagonal line into an "S". The stronger the maximum slope in the middle of the S, the more contrast. The skill is to find that maximum slope, and where it should be.
However.... this assumes you start with a good picture(*), and the one you show has plenty of problems: overexposed, blurry, busy background, number in the foreground, and a strand of hair across the girl's cheek and the guy's nose.
(*) With Gimp and Photoshop, the "Garbage In, Garbage Out" principle also applies. And you have to consider that most "artistically edited" pictures you see have been shot specifically for that purpose, carefully avoiding reflections, strong shadows, etc...
However.... this assumes you start with a good picture(*), and the one you show has plenty of problems: overexposed, blurry, busy background, number in the foreground, and a strand of hair across the girl's cheek and the guy's nose.
(*) With Gimp and Photoshop, the "Garbage In, Garbage Out" principle also applies. And you have to consider that most "artistically edited" pictures you see have been shot specifically for that purpose, carefully avoiding reflections, strong shadows, etc...