fading gradient on a photo

[biggie2]

I'm trying to do a simple fade on a photo using gradients. I've done this many times before but can't seem to do it right this time. I'd add a layer mask to the photo. I then set the gradient to a black/transparent gradient. I then add the gradient over the layer but it just comes out all black. Of course, the color of the gradient in the gradient window is set in all black as opposed to black to transparent and I"m not sure how to fix that?

[biggie2]

here is what i'm referring to

[biggie2]

I finally figured out the issue. I have to make the layer mask active so that the effect would occur. I think before, I had the original layer active and it wasn't working properly.