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Perhaps it is an ancient, though ill-researched biological urge, but
humans put frames on pictures. Or maybe it is just because it is good
and functional design. A frame gives your eye the instructions to stop.
On a Web site, you can use this property to direct your visitors. A
productive photo has a purpose. You want to make sure your visitor is
getting the message. In the photos at the left, notice how the second
photo with a simple 1px stroke holds your eye much better than the picture
with no frame.
The line does not have to be black. You can use any color that matches
your page to achieve the same results. Here we have an orange border
that also holds the eye. Try one of the darkest Web safe gray for a
less startling, but still effective border.
Experiment with line width as well. A wide colored frame can add an
artsy look in an instant. The one shown here has a 16 point blue stroke
applied.
 Finally,
have some fun with simple photo frames. The one below has a white border
added on a separate layer. The default drop shadow from the Layers menu
is applied to make it appear to be peeking thorough a cutaway.
For even more creative frames, see the next page.
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