Carl,
(Excuse this if it sounds too basic. Oh and check the image mode and make sure it is RGB).
It is not necessary to "unlock" the background to create a Layer Via Copy. Just make a selection and then from the Menu Bar at top of screen Layer/New/Layer Via Copy.
When you have made this "Layer via Copy" there should be ‘two’ thumbnails in the layers palette (two layers). One for the BG and one for the selected copy. If you click the "eye" of the BG turning off the visibility of that layer the other layer should be visible (and still selected if you have done nothing after making this new layer).
One thing also….. is that when you make the "Layer Via Copy" you can set a "feather" (Look on top of the screen to the right of where the Marquee tools are shown… try 20 or 25) and you may find you get the effect you are looking for.
If that look does not suit and you want a Vignette you must first "select" an area to apply the Vignette. You can use the rectangular or the Oval, or circle selection tool. Or you can also use the selection brush but it will probably need a brush size of 300-500 for a "one click" selection.
Hope this helps 🙂
Pete
I am trying to print an ellipse with a feathered edge. I have made the
selection of the ellipse and made a "Layer via Copy". The selection has been made since I can change the brightness of the image inside the ellipse. However, when I click on the "eye of the BG" the whole image goes away. I have tried both locked and unlocked conditions of the layer.
If I try to use the "Effects – Vignette", it tells me no selection has
been made.
Carl