GIMP tutorial - Paths, Layers and Layer Masks for cutting out images from backgrounds
GIMP tutorial showing the true power of paths, layers and layer masks. This tutorial involves using the paths tool to create a selection for making a layer mask to cut an image from it's background, and apply a new background. Basically a photo collage, or photomanipulation.
If you want the image files to try out this tutorial out for yourself, here they are:
http://oi39.tinypic.com/rtgodf.jpg
http://oi43.tinypic.com/9ibgwm.jpg