GIMP Version: 2.8.14
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: New User
URL or Image link: https://i.ibb.co/4RDM2JR2/Jilleon-The-Bench-Moon-Donut-13-ni

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Hi.

Need some advice on making just the background darker for this 3D render I created that I've been trying to adjust. I didn't get the lighting right. It's due to affecting other light sources in the render.

I used GIMP's: White Balance, Curves, Colour Temp and Shadows-Highights. It's made everything brighter. Is it possible to lasso tool the background from the original and paste into the post-worked one or something else can be used to darken just the background like the original?

I'll use snipped tool image of the renders.

Stack the layer with the lighter one on top and erase it to uncover the dark background below. In the past I would have recommended a layer mask but since the Eraser tool has an un-erase mode it is about as convenient.

Is the whole image erased or just the background part?

Like this? how to blend two images in GIMP

Hi thenic123 - like Ofnuts I have steered away from filters and have also used the eraser tool.

Method:
1.add a transparent layer above your "jilleon post worked" layer; ensure it is the active layer for below operations
2. select black (000000) as your foreground colour
3. select the gradient tool with 'FG to transparent' gradient active and with 'linear' selected as the shape
4. with the cursor in the centre at the top of your new transparent layer, drag straight down until you reach the top of the counter behind the 2 people and hit enter; you will then have a darkened background down to that counter, which can be adjusted to taste by reducing the 'opacity' level of that layer.
5. then use the '2. hardness 075' brush at about size 30 and with the 'Eraser Tool' selected, gently erase the new gradient layer where the bodies and faces will probably have some of that gradient covering them.

Here is my result.

Just the background of course... If you erase everything, what is the purpose of the layer?

Thank you to everyone's replies. I used ofnuts suggestion and erased the lighter renders background and stacked the darker version underneath. I erased everything except Jill, Leon and the wine glass. The three burgers were too bright. Same with the serviettes holder. Took over 3 hours to do with breaks in between. Hard controlling that mouse.

What bugging me is the lighter section around their hair, especially Leon's hair. Tried to get close as possible. His hair has messy strands. Same with Jill.

Thank you for your reply.

See the result I accomplished using ofnuts suggestion. I didn't see your reply in time.

Can step 4 be used to go down further to erase the burgers and table?

Is it possible to fix the lighter area around their hair and how would this be done?

Simple answer is yes - step 4 with the 'FG to Transparent' gradient option means that the resulting shading is progressive from full on black to full on transparency. So you can judge yourself where you want that initial cursor drag to stop, and what you wish to erase.

For the lighter hair around the edges, again on a new transparent layer above the 'finished' image, I would paint a thin dark/black line, blur it slightly then use the eraser and opacity control to tidy up to my liking.