[willj12]

On many photos posted here I have seen a sort of black border which fades into the picture. How do I add that to my photos?

[Peakoverload]

Sounds like you are talking about vignettes.

These can be added in many ways depending on what software you have. If you post what software you use then I'm sure we can explain how to achieve the effect.

[willj12]

I'm using trials of Photoshop and Lightroom CS4

Thanks
will

[Tobers]

In Lightroom, go to the Develop module. On the right-hand tab, scroll to the bottom and you'll see "vignette" and "post crop". In the "post crop" bit, slide the top slider to the left. Job done. Huzzah!