I don’t play with other folks images Fstop, but thanks for the offer.

I think we’ve all done something similar at times Linda, usually when we’re tired.
I get what you’re saying about adding, say, a Topaz effect and then wanting to change something. That requires that you keep all the layers, so merge a copy of them or do ‘the move’ if it it works in elements (shift/alt/cmd/E) to create a merge of all active layers without deleting anything. Of course your file remains large but that’s the price you pay if you want to go back. Hence I have some huge files! Of course it requires that you scrap the first Topaz layer and redo that effect too, once you’ve made your changes. Hope this helps.

Makes me feel a bit weird! Might be helped by the slight right tip or could be the coloured negative, or the wife might have been right all along!

Reminds me of a row of variously shaped candles. Very festive!

I don’t wish to get involved in the ‘what’s acceptable here’ discussion, that’s one for Linda! The concept is suitable for any photo section - I watch guys adorned like that on shoots I do and feel very jealous, not of the cameras, just their ability to carry the weight! Then I look at the guys with modern mirrorless and feel very jealous - of the cameras!

I agree, that’s nicely done Jim. What is the foreground figure, not a chess piece by the look of the opposition?

What an interesting post! The wings are a masterpiece - I went to a lot of trouble to achieve something kinda similar from a photograph I took. Your method is so much cleaner - and very realistic. Whilst I have dabbled with vector drawings in Ps, I’ve never got into Illustrator. Might be a bit late to start now! Many thanks for your detailed description.

I like what you’re doing with this tube Jim. I too thought the light wanted a bit of sorting but I’d keep a bit of transparency on the figures - just to remove the obvious line of the tube end. You could mask the tube from the figure selection and add a variable grey layer that you adjust for whatever look you want on the silhouettes. Hope you follow that lousy explanation!

A very effective result Jack. As has already been said, it evokes ‘spooky’.
You haven’t been having a spot of bother with the opposite sex have you? Just wondered where your inspiration came from for this one.

Naive is an attractive art form without doubt (at least in my opinion!). I like the colours you’ve used, they have good contrast - I doubt you need advice in that regard Linda but there are plenty online tuts on colour if you do. I imagine that picking a good subject is probably the most difficult part but you’re off to a fine start with this one.

Looks (and sounds!) like a winner to me Erich!

An excellent result Erich!

A poster for a Clint Eastwood/Lee van Cleef film for sure Jack! Nice bit of compositing too.
We have a town in the UK called Laredo! It looks just like this and is owned and maintained by enthusiasts. I must get over there on a photoshoot day!!

Works very well and it’s nicely done Fstop. Mind the A.I. stuff doesn’t get you into trouble with the wife!

I like both, with #2 just taking the prize. I think your processing matches the subject nicely.