Faded out boarders on pics

[dave milbut]

alien skin ([url]www.alienskin.com[/url]) and others make a plugins w/borders, but the effect can also be done w/o plugs using brushes, eraser and other techniques. post a link to a specific example for clearer info.

[Colin Walls]

Here's an approach that works for me [assuming you are starting with a flat image]:
1) convert the background to a layer by double-clicking on its name
2) expand the canvas to provide the border
3) put another layer underneath to provide the border colour
4) ctrl-click on the main image [which will select just the image pixels]
5) add a layer mask [which will pick up the selection]
6) alt-click on the mask [which will reveal it for editing]
7) use the magic wand to select the white "hole"
8) contract the selection by about 10%
9) invert the selection and fill it all with black [thus you have a smaller hole]
10) click on the image thumbnail to see it again [now slightly hidden around the edges]
11) click on the mask and apply a gaussian blur
And there you go.
Come back if you want clarification on any steps.