Putting a digital border or frame around your image can improve it a lot. A simple way to do this is outlined below.
In my Recent Images Gallery (at the end of the images) are 7 examples of framed images – all done on the computer (using Photoshop Elements). Once you have framed an image it can be printed and mounted, for example on MDF board with black edges, and will look really sharp!
How to do a digital border:
1 open your image in Elements (or Photoshop) and check the size. Note length and height accurately in centermeters (cm) at 300ppi.
2 resize your image to the size you want – remembering that you will have a border as well. Minimise to Project Bar.
3 decide the size of your border around your image – usually around 10% of image length (so a 40cm image would have a 4cm border). Allow an extra 1-2 cms at the bottom.
4 go to file/open/blank file and set size at your image size plus border. Remember to add double your border size when setting sizes! Ensure settings are 300ppi and colour is white. Although you can select other colours.
5 This next step is OPTIONAL – only use if you want a fine black ‘keyline’ border around the image – see examples in Recent Images. To add a fine keyline border (which usually improves the overall effect) simply add about 3mm (less if a small image and more if a large image) to your image size measurements. Then use the Rectangular Marque Tool and set to image size plus say 6mm (if your keyline border is 3mm), ensure ‘0’ feather and clic on image. Use View/grid to centre – allowing more space at bottom for title etc. Go to layers/create fill/solid colour/pick black/OK. Close grid view.
6 now drag your image to the centre of the fill and use 50% view to ensure your sides are all even. Use Move tool to move image if required.
7 using the Horizontal Type Tool pick your font style, size and colour and type in the image title, and your name or website etc. Use View/ruler and grid to centre or place your title and any other info. As an example an 18pt Ariel font in gray looks good for the title on a 48cm image… Check your work at 50% view.
8 Save as JPEG or Tiff or….
That’s all there is to it. Enjoy improving your images!
Note that you can then resize up or down if you need to – although there are limits to upsizing (interpolation). Another story…
ALSO – see my earlier blogs about how to improve your photography and your processing of images. Simple steps on each…