Photoshop question from: Gordon Doubleday

Postcard, Old Photo Album Effects!

I have seen an image in a magazine that I wanted to recreate. 
The image looks similar to a cross between a postcard, and an 
old black and white photograph that you might see in a photo album.  
The edge of the photo would be jagged and rough, while still having 
a small white border, and would have 4 corner tabs that would 
hold the photo in place in the photo album. Could anyone help?
Thanks in advance. Gord Doubleday

Well, Gord, it looks like you've answered your own question.

This project will be a composite of a number of techniques all brought together to achieve an effect. And yes, I can see exactly what you want. I use a United Airlines ad in my Creative Layout Techniques Workshop that utilizes just about the same scenario you describe.
      Process and manipulate the photo just as you want it. Perhaps a slight sepia effect to resemble aging. You can generate a ragged border with any of the border "edges" software, but for this you'll need to be very careful. Those old photos were jagged, however there was a pattern to the jaggedness. I would create the outlined edge in Illustrator first. If you don't have that option, then very carefully create it using either the lasso tool -- drawing short segments at a time, then joining them -- or the path tool. It would help to have a model to go by. If you happen to have one of those old photos, you could simply scan it against a contrasting background.
      The corner tabs will probably be the toughest element to create. Remember that many of the old style corners had depth and even a slight embossed decoration of some sort. Once you begin composting the images together don't forget that the whole assembly has depth when 'glued' to the background. Make an ever so slight shadow, or utilize the Lighting filter to cast highlights and shadows.
      It sounds like a wonderfully fun project... wish I could be there with you!

(Would anyone like a complete tutorial on the above? If enough people write, we'll do it.)

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