How would you accomplish this?

[haroldt87811884]

Please tell me the easiest way to accomplish the effect displayed in the attached photo.

[didiermazier]

You cluld :

1- make a reference image. B&W 8 bits

2 -Apply a displacement filter based on this image

 

 

[Bojan Živković]

I believe two images are utilized for the final effect. You can apply the above suggestion and add another image on top, which will be masked to reveal only certain sections of the underlying photo. That's one method to achieve the desired result.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I believe two images are utilized for the final effect. You can apply the above suggestion and add another image on top, which will be masked to reveal only certain sections of the underlying photo. That's one method to achieve the desired result.

By @Bojan Živković

Dang, you are right; the sample image is a combination of two different images! 

I had not paid enough attention. 

[didiermazier]

Yes maybe it is the same image with two distinct enlargement percentages.

Normal image and above same enlarged image with masks as you said. It would be more fast to modify then

 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

To add to @didiermazier ’s recommendation: 

If more randomness in the displacement is needed one can use a random Gradient Layer and the Filter Mosaic to create a Displacement Map.