Black borders - yes or no?

[rmgbatista]

Hi all,

I don't know if this is the right place for this question. If not, I'm sorry.
I would like your opinions about the black borders people add to their photos.
I was using them on my flickr photos, but after some comments saying the photo would look better without them, I stopped using them.
I noticed that the photos posted without those borders don't have the same number of comments from flickr users and I personally think the borders add to the photo.

I would love to have your input on this.

my flickr: Flickr: r.batista's Photostream

Here are two examples:

With borders:


Without borders (see on white background):
http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-V....cfm?id=761091



thanks
regards,
Rui Batista

[lputman]

Overall in general, if you like/want borders on your photographs then put them there.

[windrider86]

hmm, i see your point. It sort of creates the ilusion of a frame and add to it

[TW0R]

I put one in when Im done with a picture, and if it looks good then I keep it. If it doesnt, then I dont. A border doesnt make the picture.

[PWhite214]

I think the width of the borders overpowers the image. I like borders, and use different styles depending on the photo. I am still experementing.

Phil

[Sterling]

I like the borders on that shot. I think most photos look better on a black background.

[CaptainNH]

The black border on this shot accentuates the graduation of the light in the shot itself - I think it works really well.

I would perhaps make them a little narrower, but that's my personal preference.

[foxor]

I think in some cases the borders can look good...in this case I definitely think it adds something. But some pictures don't need them and it can just be distracting. So another vote for the case-by-case approach.

[budweiser]

I personally prefer to use black borders myself. But not my kids.
Once I processed about a hundred photos for my daughter's birthday, spent hours adding black borders. In the end, she wanted the photos w/o the borders. geez ... personal preference I guess

[rahsoft]

A dark shot can look good with a black border and a light shot with a white border. Maybe some detailed shots are best without a border. The simple uncluttered shot tend to be good with border as they act as a frame around the subject.
I find its best to just try with and without and go with your gut instinct.
BTW the link to the second site shutterpoint. Is there racy material on that site ?
I ask because I tried to open your link, i got a censor message from the ISP( on behalf of the state).