How to create in Photoshop these fluid shapes out of pictures

[RodiTods]

I'd like to inquire about Photoshop regarding an image. I'm curious about how someone else created it. Specifically, I have two questions: Did they use Photoshop? And secondly, how can any image or photo be manipulated to exhibit various nuances, shapes, and opacities, as exemplified below?

As far as I know, the person who created this used multiple pictures of people and places, blurred the pictures and then I have no idea what was made to change into different fluid like shapes.

I would so very much appreciate any kind of idea on how to create this kind of result.

Thank you

[Trevor.Dennis]

Filter > Artisitic > Cutout would reduce the number of colours and create the contours.

Actually you'll need to use a high value Gaussian blur to create gradients and rounded shapes, and then use Cutout.

This shows original, gaussian blur (20 pixels) and cutout.  Obviously the original image will make a lot of difference.  There would have been a lot of blur to get those multiple light tones in your example.

[RodiTods]

Dear @Trevor.Dennis , that is exaclty what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

There is a resin artist that uses a collage of pictures which are afterwards edited to the extent seen in the initial picture. Ultimately he then transfers the blend of colors and forms into resin and creates amazing concepts. 

I did ask him directly how that process works but without an answer.

Dear @Stephen Marsh, I do not have yet an image I just know that I wish to find in a way in Photoshop in which I could created rounded forms and subtle and less dense lets say, forms which create a sort of movement and a sensation of multiple layers one on top of each other. Ultimately with the same purpose to transfer the concept on canvas in layers in resin.

I was maybe thinking of the curvature pen tool which gets closer to the round and fluid like shapes which I am aiming. What do you think about it?

Do you have in mind other more inovative way to transfrom a photo in such a way as desscribed earlier?

Thank you so much for all the time to explain and creativity you've put into this.

Very much apreciated!

[Stephen Marsh]

In addition to the filters mentioned by @Trevor.Dennis there may be use of a large value Median filter.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Strong Gaussian blur, and high value Median.  Original on the left.

Similar Gaussian blur, and Cutout 8,0,0

Without the blur, the shapes are much more angular.

You can make the pattern finer by adding noise (left side) before Cutout/Median (right side).

@RodiTods did you have a particular image you want to add effects to?