Help with gradient

[adminez]

I was wondering how I would create the affect around Obama

http://i51.tinypic.com/299385.png
Whenever I use the gradient tool, it show
s up as too much black, (I'm using this one a separate layer than the person I want to use it for)

should I use a layer style just with the person?
How would I do it?
thanks

[CovertPea]

I had a go at recreating this without the use of any gradients.
Over a plain dark gray background I selected the shape of the guy, filled with white and gave it a 38px gaussian blur then added the guys pic on a new layer above it.
(might need to duplicate the blurred layer to get a brighter effect)



Chers
CP