GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

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Hi all,
Firsts post here. Got what seems should be a very simple issue, but I can't figure it out. I have a busy picture.. tree branches and stuff.. and I want to lighten a selection to allow for visible text.

Curiously, I was looking for an example, then looked up on this page.. the lightening around 'Gimp Chat' is exactly what I want to do. I could fudge it with a paintbrush tool and/or airbrush, but I'd never get it consistent.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Welcome to Gimp Chat.
You make your text on its own layer in a color that will contrast to the trees behind. If the trees are all dark, then make your text in a very light color, then move it to a place where it looks best and give the text a nice blur.
Because our Banner at the top changes every minute or so, we have no way of know which banner your are referring to.
Could you use the attachment at the bottom in full editor to post the picture you want to work with?

Welcome to Gimp Chat VolvoMatt


Is it something like this you want?

That would work too Ella Louise. There are so many different ways to do this.

Firstly, thanks for the replies.. Hopefully I can attach the mockup I just did.. using the paint brush tool

Indeed, I see your banner changes. That's why I posted the one in question as an image in the original post

url: halloween-banners/gc-halloween-banner2.png

I know molly. It's just an example of the many methods.
And I think VolvoMatt posted the banner he refers to the one with the candles.
If I can understand it right. You know English is not my native language

The way I did it.

Made the text in color white. Alpha to selection on that layer.
Make a new transparent layer. Grow the selection (I did 10, depents on the text size).
Fill the selection also with white and lower this layer under the first text layer.
Gaussian blur by 50.
I also did a little gaussian blur on the original text (2 pixels).

A contrasting drop shadow should help make your text stand out too.

Ended up going with a large paintbrush, white paint, medium (~60%) opacity, and the weird 'sand dune' brush stroke. Painted the area where text goes, then did a light posterize on just that area.. Works for me, since the bird picture is already lightly posterized.

Most importantly, my wife approves. What's below is just a mock-up to test the effect. I'll do a more careful one now

Thanks again so much for all your suggestions! One of these days, I really gotta learn how work better with layers. Look for me asking more stupid questions in the future

For now..

They aren't stupid questions and ask away.