Thanks to everyone who took part in our previous 'Lucky New Year' challenge. There were some great ideas and very cleverly put together images. This week, in world of constant change, I thought we might take a trip to this timeless beach at Balnakeil in north-west Scotland. In reality, of course, with any sandy beach it too is constantly changing. So, what can you make with it? The “rules”: Use the starter image as at least part of your own image entry. Anything goes, as long as it meets the forum rules on decency, copyright, etc. Anyone, and everyone, is welcome to have a go, whether you are a complete beginner or a Photoshop expert. This is not just for our forum “regulars”. The challenge is not limited to Photoshop. Any Adobe software can be used. There are no prizes apart from the chance to practice, show off your skills, or bring a bit of humor and fun. Don't be shy, join in and have a go! The starter image is made available for you to use in this forum challenge only. To download the starter image, hover over the image and click on the circle with the arrows at the top right. Then, when the image opens in its own window, right click and choose “Save Image As/Save Target As” (or similar depending on your browser). SFTW258_Beach.jpg When posting back your image — please use the blue reply button in this first post and use the 'Insert Photos' icon at the top of the reply box. If posting a comment on someone else’s entry, then please use the grey reply button next to their image post. Have fun! Dave.

Community Expert

Question

Something for the Weekend - Part 258 - Shifting sands!

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
January 16, 2026
30 replies
1406 views

Thanks to everyone who took part in our previous 'Lucky New Year' challenge. There were some great ideas and very cleverly put together images.

This week, in world of constant change, I thought we might take a trip to this timeless beach at Balnakeil in north-west Scotland. In reality, of course, with any sandy beach it too is constantly changing. So, what can you make with it?

The “rules”:

Use the starter image as at least part of your own image entry.
Anything goes, as long as it meets the forum rules on decency, copyright, etc.
Anyone, and everyone, is welcome to have a go, whether you are a complete beginner or a Photoshop expert. This is not just for our forum “regulars”.
The challenge is not limited to Photoshop. Any Adobe software can be used.
There are no prizes apart from the chance to practice, show off your skills, or bring a bit of humor and fun. Don't be shy, join in and have a go!
The starter image is made available for you to use in this forum challenge only.

To download the starter image, hover over the image and click on the circle with the arrows at the top right. Then, when the image opens in its own window, right click and choose “Save Image As/Save Target As” (or similar depending on your browser).

SFTW258_Beach.jpg

When posting back your image — please use the blue reply button in this first post and use the 'Insert Photos' icon at the top of the reply box. If posting a comment on someone else’s entry, then please use the grey reply button next to their image post.

Have fun!

Dave.

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

Guys, I thought this was worth sharing. The next time a poster declares Generative Ai to be broken and useless, send them to this video to see what can be done with meaningful prompts, and the appropriate model. In fact it's a must follow channel for the Firefly/Photoshop Ai tools, and especially for video.

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

Dave, everyone,

I have just learned that the forums are planned to switch to new software by tomorrow afternoon, and that this and all other threads started between 17th November and the switch tomorrow will be unavailable until some day in March 2026, which means that the new forum will be starting with older threads and then the new threaads tomorrow.

Obviously, threads unfinished by tomorrow will remain so during the following month(s).