Pat, in a few statements:
1-scan each column of the image to find the cutoff point (first red point)
2-save all the points in an array
3-rescan: for each position in the width, reflect each column point which lies between 0 and the cutoff point, checking position inside the height of the image
4-add some waterly effect in the reflection area
Not possible manually IMO, I'm using a filter in progress.

It does sound very complicated to me. I hope you succeed with making a filter to make it easier and more practical.

I did find an old fake HDR program which I tried long ago but did not get great results. It could be because I really didn't know much about GIMP then, just trying to fix some old pictures. I might try it again. Did you write a program or script for your procedure on HDR?

Yes, I did, Pat.
In a few days you'll see it published and you can try it yourself.

Good! Another toy to play with, and a useful tool! I am anxiously awaiting.

a different play
being often fascinated by the "embossing" filter, I tried to find a sequence of steps to get what to my taste looks like a "nice emboss"

just an example
sources from DeviantArt


outcomes I got


it's just my taste....

Another method of making pointillistic images!

do you like it?
this one is very easy, I can details you the steps

Dinasset: Yes I do like it! Are there very many steps?

my flow is:
1. create a new image, same dimension as source
2. evaluate the mean value using HISTOGRAM
if too dark, brighten it
if too light, darken it
3. duplicate the BG, apply the new G'MIC Retinex filter,
set opacity to 33% (normal ,mode), merge down
4. duplicate the BG, set it below the previously merged layer
apply Gimp Emboss filter (emboss mode)
5. duplicate the BG again, set it below the previous one,
apply again Gimp Emboss filter (bumpmap mode)
6. set merged BG to screen_mode,
set Embossed Layer to softlight, 100%
confirm Bumpmap stay as normal
flatten
To simplify you may omit steps 1-2

What you got Dinasset is very interesting. I like the results and I'll try your steps. If nice I'll post it.

My first try. Not so good as I'd have liked.

My other try.

nice babies, Issabella

Thanks Dinasset. I want to thank you for this new treatment to apply on photos. I love it.
I think I'm getting the point on it.

easy flow and pretty nice result (to my taste, at least)
fine old car, Issabella

That is really nice, Issabella.

new play, nothing special, a black&white maybe more "dramatic"

from


to

I like it. I played on this one but not sure if I treated it properly.

looks good
but starting with a colour image you have more playing possibilities

new play

as you know, I'm a fan of mosaic
today a try to produce a "Golden mosaic"
on the way