Do you simulate a drop-shadow effect for a photo by using a similar-sized filled rectangle and applying a Gaussian blur, then pasting your photo on top as a new layer, offsetting this layer by a few pixels, and then flattening the image before saving it? Here is an easier way using ImageReady 7 on the Mac (and PC too I guess)...
Open your photo in ImageReady and choose the rectangular marquee tool, then Select > All.
Choose Edit > Stroke and set the width to 1 pixel, centre location, and 50% grey (or other settings of your choice). The merit of a border becomes obvious when there is no hard edge to the photo, such as white areas:
Choose Image > Canvas Size and increase the working area around your photo:
Choose Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow:
Choose Image > Trim to get rid of unnecessary space around the image (but retaining the drop-shadow):
Choose File > Save Optimized As... The final result:
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