drop shadow for entire image

In PS 6 I know how to apply a drop shadow within an image, as to text, but can't seem to get a drop shadow to apply to the whole image, to create the effect of a picture hovering above the page. Is there a special layering techinque needed for this, or does the layer size have to be bigger or offset, to accomodate the drop shadow on whichever 2 edges its being applied to?
Thx-
G.

if you want to apply it to the whole page and not just one layer, you would need to Merge Visibe (Layer-> Merge Visible). Create a new layer and position it below the current one. Now you need to enlarge the Canvas size to accomodate the drop shadow. You would then need to move the layer to whichever corner you need to and apply the Drop Shadow layer effect.

>if you want to apply it to the whole page and not just one layer, you would need to Merge Visibe (Layer-> Merge Visible).

I don't think I need that, I just want the drop shadow to apply to the main, or "background," image.

>Create a new layer and position it below the current one.

I tried, but don't know how to position a layer below the main image?

I don't think I need that, I just want the drop shadow to apply to the main, or "background," image.

Then apply the Layer effects to that layer only.

I tried, but don't know how to position a layer below the main image?

Make sure that it's not the Background layer. If so, put it into a seperate layer and then delete the background layer. If it's an individual layer (ex. "Layer 4" or "Image" however it's labeled), then, in the Layer window, drag the new layer below it.

okay, thanks for the reply, I actually got it to work by opening a new blank image, larger size, and pasting the photo onto that as a layer, and adding the drop shadow effect and trimming away the excess canvas. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.
G.