How do I make objects and text stand out over a busy photo background?

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I frequently have to place objects and text on photo backgrounds and some backgrounds make it hard to see the objects.

To get good contrast I will try to pick a background image that has large flat areas to place text and objects.

If that is not available I may try to put colored shapes behind the objects, dark for light text and vice versa.

Additionally I may try drop shadows or glow to set them off, but this is not always an option either.

In this case I have multi colored logos on a green and blue plant background that is busy.

I would like to avoid putting a shape between the objects and the background as it will cover the background.

They are currently shown with a white drop shadow. Two on bottom have a black drop shadow.

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Any advice is appreciated.

Here are objects and foreground:

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Answer

There are a ton of possibilities, all of which depend upon the actual content.

A dark gradient…

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A light gradient….

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Blur and adjust levels …..

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Probably my favorite technique… a band of offsetting color with a mask to promote depth….

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Or lower the opacity of the color bar… to make it even more dynamic overall…

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I, personally, dislike using things like drop shadows and glows when possible. They have become too “canned” and pedestrian in many areas such as this.

Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : Webster , Answer Author : Scott

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