I’m pleased to say that after a short break, whilst some issues with images in the forums were resolved, our fortnightly ‘Something for the Weekend’ challenges are back.For this week, we visit the locks on the Caledonian canal in Fort Augustus, at the south end of Loch Ness. With any series of locks, the opening and shutting of the gates in the right order is what makes them work and allows boats to climb, or descend, to a new level. I wonder what it would look like if the gates were opened in the wrong order, can you show us?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, click it 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). When posting back your image — please use the reply button in this first post and use the 'Insert Photos' icon at the bottom of the reply box. If posting a comment on someone else’s entry, then please use the reply button next to their image post. Have fun! Dave.

Community Expert

Zero Ai, and to be frank, it shows :-(

Community Expert

I had to see how it compared. The manual version took me about 30 minutes. This quote produced the result below in about five to ten minutes using Gemini 3.1 at 1024 pixels wide, upsizing the result X 2 with Gigapixel.

‘A massively bloated elephant kneels on the towpath with its trunk sucking up water from the canal. The water level has dropped significantly, and we can see the current fanning into the elephant’s trunk in the water. People are on the opposite bank of the canal looking distressed and pointing at the elephant. A large truck can be seen in the road with the name of a circus written on its side. A sign is attached to a post on the opposite bank inviting people to a circus.’

Community Expert

I feel sorry for the elephant - drinking that muddy water. :)

Community Expert

I thought I’d better try one without help from Nano Banana. :-(

davescm

Author

Community Expert

You’ve sussed it, Trevor. It is just a big model :-)
Dave

War Unicorn

Community Expert

Community Expert

We are trying to work it out James, but we can’t find the glowing red eyes.

War Unicorn

Community Expert

I was very tempted, but decided to forgo it. Let the texture and effect take front and center.

(Love the glasses.) lol

Greg_S.

Community Expert

Stop draining the lock!!!

davescm

Author

Community Expert

So now we know where it has been hiding :-)
Dave

didiermazier

Community Expert

If you do not wanna swim just walk!

davescm

Author

Community Expert

They’re out on a Nessie hunt. We know where she is though, thanks to Greg. :-)
Dave

Community Expert

Cleaned up the water a bit.

Community Expert

Dean, you’re in Australia. Where’s the shark? And while we are at it, surely there should be a tiny but deadly jellyfish, (whatever the collective none for) venomous snakes, and an eighteen-foot Saltie. If the buggers could swim, there’d be a Funnel-Web Spider as well.

PS I looked up the snakes. It’s Slither.

Community Expert

Yes, am in Australia. So here’s an addition for you with the help of Firefly.

jane-e

Community Expert

Jane

Community Expert

Great work of art @jane-e

Community Expert

Glad SFTW is back.

Returning to the weather change.