Query: How to darken background with GIMP?

GIMP newbie here - actually newbie to most any advanced image manipulation. I've been through a lot of the tutorials and links, and have tried various techniques.

I would like to darken the background (especially the out-of-focus upper section) in this photo.

I have attempted to work with layers, edge detection, 'painting' through a darker overlay - everything ends up making the bison look like a card-board cut-out.

Just looking for some advice here - what would be a process that would allow me to darken just that somewhat blown-out background?



[MOD EDIT - Max image size is 1024px on the longest side]

Changed image dimensions - I know the limits, just converted the wrong dimension earlier.

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

No expertise to offer here, I'll just say that's a cool shot! Heck, if it were me I'd be just loving it the way it is!

This one was pretty easy due to the contrast, but not sure if it's what you're going for. Obviously JPG compression kinda killed the top half of the background, and it becomes pretty apparent when darkening it.

This was just shadows and highlights (Image - Adjust - Shadows & Highlights)..

I think I did 6% / 35% respectively.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Try the fuzzy select tool. I didn't like the changes I made to the background, but the tool seemed to do a pretty good job of selecting the background and leaving the bison alone. You have to keep adding different areas to the selection.

Thanks for suggestions - after much deliberation, I think I'll just leave it as-is. May come back to it, from time to time, as my GIMP skills increase.

GJim wrote in post #11406181
Thanks for suggestions - after much deliberation, I think I'll just leave it as-is. May come back to it, from time to time, as my GIMP skills increase.

Whatever you do, make sure you keep that original intact!

tonylong wrote in post #11406258
Whatever you do, make sure you keep that original intact!

Tony:
Not a problem. I never modify my RAW originals (other than geo-tagging). RAW image 'edits' are saved as recipe files, but never permanently applied to the original(s). Intermediate edits, if worth keeping, are saved. Numerous iterations of that particular image.

Well, good for you! That original is so nice!