To do anything, unless we are starting from scratch, we need to load in a photo/graphic. In the main gimp window select file, and open.

Then a window will open to select the directory and file.  I at first had a hard time changing the directory by double clicking on it. You do need to double click fast and the directory will change. Go ahead and select a photo.

Click OK and the photo will appear in your image dialog. Now you are ready to work on the image.  Lets do some cropping.