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davescm
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Jan 16, 2026 10:30 AM UTC
Question

Something for the Weekend - Part 258 - Shifting sands!

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).

 

874871iC8E97A8AD5A0AFE3.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.

102 replies

Greg_S.
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Jan 20, 2026 7:25 AM UTC

Floridai Sands

 

875528iEE095F9704C05E8B.jpg

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 21, 2026 8:17 PM UTC

They're just waiting for a picnic to arrive 🙂

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Trevor.Dennis
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Jan 21, 2026 11:41 PM UTC
quote

They're just waiting for a picnic to arrive 🙂


By @davescm

I was thinking much the same thing. Probably because I recently read about a lady who thought alligators were cute and that it was safe to pet one.  I grabbed her arm but she got free and apparently said, 'I guess they aren't'.  The gator then grabbed her again and that was the end of her.   People do dumb things.  That's for damn sure! (As Jack Reacher would say).

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Trevor.Dennis
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Jan 19, 2026 9:31 AM UTC

875328i0ECC52956B18B4A0.png

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 19, 2026 9:50 AM UTC

Blimey, there is a lot going on there, Trevor. Sort of, beach activities through the ages! 🙂
Dave

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JR Boulay
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Jan 18, 2026 11:54 PM UTC

Mostly for Alien fans, mostly!

 

875266i4A15C80512A817D5.jpg

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Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 19, 2026 9:48 AM UTC

The aliens have just come for a bit of crab and mussel fishing. 🙂 The lighting on the craft is an excellent match.
Dave

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JR Boulay
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Jan 18, 2026 5:56 PM UTC

Braer, the sequel

 

875195i53F87F23BFF2FE96.jpg

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 19, 2026 9:46 AM UTC

Yuk!  That's a great job making the oil look black and sticky, JR. 
Dave

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JR Boulay
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Jan 18, 2026 5:55 PM UTC

Ain't global warming great?

 

875194i18ECCD0C5B790FB3.jpg

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 19, 2026 9:44 AM UTC

Northern Scotland is like that most days, but the Scots don't like to let that secret out 🙂
Dave

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EuanWilliamson
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Jan 23, 2026 3:22 PM UTC

Shush

 

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Best regards, Euan.
Community Expert
Jan 18, 2026 10:56 AM UTC

Extra shifting.

875145iE353AA51E5DB4A99.jpg

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 18, 2026 11:24 AM UTC

You've uncovered the truth, Dean, it is just a pond with a wave machine 🙂
Dave

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Community Expert
Jan 26, 2026 6:48 AM UTC

I also uncovered a mystery creature in the rocks

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Trevor.Dennis
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Jan 18, 2026 9:49 AM UTC

I'll be back...

875133i2004C904F0498172.png

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davescm
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Jan 18, 2026 11:22 AM UTC

He's only here for an ice cream, though... 🙂
Dave

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Trevor.Dennis
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Jan 18, 2026 9:14 AM UTC

A bit of a theme developing here. 😉   Zero Ai

875127i02D1151984777818.png

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 18, 2026 11:21 AM UTC

Oh dear, the future brings a city even to this remote location.
'Zero Ai' - Yaaay 🙂
Dave

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Trevor.Dennis
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Jan 18, 2026 3:49 AM UTC

Muuuuuaaaad'Dib!

875109iB896F68DC3907875.png

Space age Mr Whippy as a concession to it being a beach scene.   Zero Ai.

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davescm
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davescmCommunity ExpertAuthor
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Jan 18, 2026 11:19 AM UTC

Haha - I love the futuristic ice-cream van 🙂
Dave

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Turtle.PSD
Inspiring
Jan 17, 2026 8:34 PM UTC

First!   =D875057i59764AC82DF286D0.jpg

The color lookup adjustment layer I added at the end is truly doing some heavy lifting in this.

 

 

875065iE08262E1766DF4B5.gif

The SS SFTW powered by 252 cauldron thrusters keeps checking for golfing weather. 



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Community Expert
Jan 18, 2026 11:01 AM UTC

Very cool 🙂

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