Four minutes isn't an awful long time to wait for a reply. :) I use PSCS2, so not sure what options are available in Elements, but for subtle vignetting I use the burn tool at about 2% in the shadows range around the edges of the photograph. It's a very simple technique.
If you want to darken in the corners/edges using Photoshop ...
-Select > SelectAll
-Select > Modify > Border -- enter some substantial number of pixels (e.g. 16-32; this will depend on the size of your file, and will need to be bigger for a large print image).
-Select > Feather -- enter some substantial number (e.g. 8-16)
-Repeat feathering more times if desired for a softer effect
-Select > Save Selection -- to a new channel
-Select > Load Selection -- your saved alpha channel
Now you have a choice:
-Use the selection as a mask for an adjustment layer (e.g. Curves) and darken the selected area
-Create a new layer and fill the feathered selection (Edit > Fill) with the Foreground color (default = Black) one or more times to get the effect you want. By putting the fill on a new layer, you can also reduce the overall layer opacity to adjust the effect.
I create vignettes with linear foreground-to-transparent gradients on a multiply layer, using the appropriate color, or on an overlay layer filled with neutral gray and using black as the foreground color. I draw the gradients straight in from each of the 4 sides the same number of pixels, then draw 4 corner gradients in at 45 degree angle, then fade the whole vignetter layer to whatever looks best. This is for landscape-type shots where I pretty much want to contain all 4 edges.
I just slap on the 17-40 and start shooting. I get tons of the stuff ;-P
Another way to get a natural looking vignette is to tape a rolled-up piece of cardboard (or just any dark colored paper) to the end of you lens (or lens hood) to give you that "barrel" look-n-feel.
For an unnatural looking vigenette (keyhole-style), shoot through a piece of cardboard with a hole cut out in it. Make sure the diameter of the hole is smaller that that of the lens.
Hi... If you go into filters, You'll see 'correct Camera Distortion'.
Click on that and there are two sliders under 'Vignette'.
If you slide them to the left, the vignette effect is pretty nice. May not be as much as you want but give it a try.
Rd
