I've worked on my skills a little bit more in PhotoShop, and I created this re-make of my first space/planet scene.
Let me know if you like it, or if it still looks too much like a CGI.
Thanks and hope you like it!
I like the textural element on the planets, but I don't think the grainy background does it justice. By having a smoother background, it would make the planets not only stand out more, but would eliminate the graininess of the space/planet border. However, the image still looks really neat, and the realism is upped with the sun's reflection.
I like the three planets, and the shadow effects from the sun. For me the grainy background is distracting, personally I think a background that was one solid color would be better. Overall I think that is a job well done.
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. - JRR Tolkien (The Fellowship of the Ring)