In article , campbell.j.
says...
How did I do this image
http://www.fultonprecision.com/Images/Machines/460.gif
I'd say that the easiest way to accomplish this is to Open your image, dbl- click on the Background Layer, re-name it and make a new Layer filled with Black (a few different ways to do this - take your pick). Move the new Layer, below your re-named Background Layer, and then make a Selection with the Rectangular Marquee. Feather the Selection (again, you can do this in the Selection via Options Palette, or do a Gaussian Blur in Quick Mask - whatever suits you), the click on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette.
Hunt