Creating a 3D effect with image editing software (GIMP or Photoshop) Here's how to make a neat effect to make it look like the subject of a photo is popping out of the background. This can be done with GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) or Photoshop.
I use GIMP because it is a free open source program with just about all the features and capabilities of Photoshop, and is easy to use. Because I use GIMP, all the menu directions and screen shots will be GIMP specific. However, Photoshop is set up very close to the way GIMP is, so it shouldn't be to hard to find the right tools. If someone wants to post the Photoshop menu directions in the comments, I'll edit them in.
GIMP for Windows is available [http://www.gimp.org/windows/ here]. (Unix and Mac versions are in the sidebar) in Art > Photographywith artbackgroundeffectheresneatphotographypoppingsubjectby 4 users