rookie needs some help

I am trying to put a simple some matte around some photos. You know, soften the edges in a noval shape. I have been trying different things for 2 days now and have had no success. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thank you.

i assume u have your photo at Layer1 (selected) above a white background layer.
pick the marquee tool and draw an oval shape over your photo.
go to Select > Feather and enter a value (if u want it to be feathered)
then Select > Inverse your selection and hit delete.

voila!

I just did that, the edges of the picture, the part I want to become white or transparent did not go away. How do I amke them disappear.?:confused:

I think I got it! Thanks!!!!

open the photo

double click the "background" layer and hit enter

make your oval selection like you want it.... (set the feather amount and stuff)

clikc the "quick mask" button at the bottom of the layers pallet...

tahdah!.... you have what you are looking for... right?