This week we got acquainted with some of the filters and plugins that are used to create interesting edge treatments to graphics. The first one was PhotoFrame from Extensis. This particular plugin requires that the user have a copy of Adobe PhotoShop on their hard drive. Since I do not, I moved on to the second plugin, PhotoGraphic Edges from Auto/FX. Now this one I really enjoyed! In fact, I liked it so much that I did place my order for it. I know that I will use it when I start to place my digital photos on my web pages. I used the PhotoGraphic Edges on one of my recent duck pond photos. I played with most of the different features, and used many of them on the final result. Then I added an NVR border.

The next part of the lesson was on the use of Harry Heim's Edge and Frame Galaxy. I seem to have downloaded his demo version in the past so I've used two of the edges to create my last two image effects. On the first one, a Chinese child in a local market in Beijing, I used one of the Twirl effects. After applying the edge as a mask and merging the layers, I then selected the mask and did a flood fill using a pale color and a texture in PSP7. I also added some noise to the edge. Then I inverted it and applied a bevel to the edge. Just having fun, but I could have done that and had it look better with PhotoGraphic Edges. :o)

For my last image I used the one called Cosmic12 and applied it to a photo I took of some of my new landscaping in my front yard. After doing a merge|flatten, I again selected the mask area, and flood filled with a different color. Then I used Texturizer on it. Next, I inverted it, applied a drop shadow, and then an inner bevel. And then I decided that I liked how it looked. :o)