Digital Darkroom

Using the Rectangular Marquee tool, I selected the stamp image seen at the lower left corner of the photo, #6. Then I used this to create a new pattern: Edit>Define Pattern. This adds the area you select from your photo to the library of patterns that ship with Photoshop.

6.

Next, I needed to add space around my original photo to create a border which I would then fill with the pattern. I chose Image>Canvas Size, checked the Relative check box (it's important to do this step first), and added 1 inch to the width and height, #7.

7.

Once you click OK, a uniform 1" white border is added around the original photo, #8.

8.

The next step is to make a selection of this new white border and then fill it with the pattern. To select the white border, use the Rectangular Marquee tool to make a selection that just fits around the original photo, with the white border outside. Then choose Select>Inverse to select only the white border.

Finally, choose Edit>Fill. In the Fill dialog box, #9, under Contents, go to the first area labeled Use: Click on the double arrows to activate the drop-down menu and choose Pattern. In the next line down, the previously greyed out Custom Pattern
drop-down menu is now available.

9.

Click on the downward arrow to the right of Custom Pattern and you'll see thumbnail size images of the patterns that are included with Photoshop, #10. Scroll down through these to find the new pattern that you created--it will be at the end of the thumbnails. Click on this pattern (the stamp) to select it, then click OK.

10.

In a few seconds, the white border will be filled with the pattern you created, #11. Your photo is now surrounded by a totally unique border or frame.

11.

So select a handful (mouseful?) of your images and decide how one of these techniques might enhance them. As soon as you try a few, you'll find you can generate a nearly infinite array of edge and border treatments that can be applied to a wide range of subjects to take them into a new dimension.