Testing "Pre-made" Photoshop Image Frames

With inspiration from a few forum members (and assistance from CanonLaw), I designed this pre-made photoshop frame for my images. Although I know I need some work in the lighting and image quality, please keep in mind I am not an expert and my equipment is very dated.

This thread is only to share my "pre-made" frame and how good I think it came out to "frame" my subjects.

If anyone has any feedback on the framing style, please chime in. Also, what size "framing" is best to use or do you have two or three pre-made sizes?

I went with 5 x 7. So, what do you think?

These are some of my personal favorites!!!

look good to me.

They look good. The only problem I have is with white mats in general. While a mat & frame help isolate the image from the surroundings that they're hung on, & can make a big difference in how it looks, a white mat tends to make a dark image look even darker. Take a look at POST #30 near the bottom: The gray bar at the center is the same density all the way across.
A few Car Lighting Tips

Then look at this image: http://img.photobucket​.com …ame_0479.jpg?t=​1293902602

Doesn't the Willys pop out from the mat?

PhotosGuy, Thank you for the tips.

I remember seeing your name quite often last time I was active (in 2009). I see what you are suggesting with the white matte. I will have to experiement with different colors, just like professional framers do. I went with black frame and white matte because.....well, it just looked most elegant. Hahahaha.....

I will see what "mixing it up" does in the future! Now, let me check the car lighting tips.

Thanks!!

The viewer's eye tends to go the the brightest part of a dark frame or the darkest part of a light frame. So when you add a bright white frame around your picture, you distract the eye from the subject. The frame becomes that brightest part. It's like trying to view the picture in front of the lights of an oncoming train, if that makes any sense.

A subdued frame or no frame is what I would suggest. Just because you can make a frame doesn't make it a good idea.

Interesting viewpoints JGR.

My eyes must be different then. Because in most photos, my eyes usually go to what stands out. In the black car photo, my eyes go to the model, not the dark of the car. In the first photo, my eye sgo to teh eyes and smile.....In the sunrise photo, my eyes are drawn into the mid center where it is brightest, allowing mye eyes to explore the vast image.

Interesting how we see things. But I will watch out for that train light!! : )