M42 and the Running Man

[BruceG]

Hi all,
This is my first go at the Orion nebula and I am finding it more difficult than I expected.
I know I need to have shorter subs so that the core isn't blown out - that is a learning for next time.
What I am having issues with is black clipping. Straight after processing in Nebulosity, and before any image enhancements, the black levels seemed to be slammed up against the left side of the histogram.
I persevered with it and have a result but I may have pushed it too far.
Then again, looking at all the M42's on Astrobin, no 2 seem to be alike - colour, depth, detail, shape and size!
This attempt is from 20 x 60 seconds with around 15 darks.
Any suggestions or guidance will be appreciated.
Strange, I found the Horsehead an easier subject to process.
Cheers,
Bruce.

[RickS]

It's actually a pretty difficult target, Bruce, but you've done well. You really need to capture subs at a variety of short and longer durations to get the whole dynamic range.

[LightningNZ]

Looks pretty similar to my one just a bit further down in this forum: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=116115

I think yours looks very nice. Mine's a bit over-processed frankly. What camera did you use?

Cheers,
Cam

[nebulosity.]

Have you done any stretching? If not, go to Image -> Levels/Power stretch, and move the bottom slider to the left. This will adjust the histogram to the right and remove the black clipping :thumbsup:

Jo

[BruceG]

Thanks Rick, I now understand that several different exposures are required to get details in all parts of the structure. What I don't know is how to create masks and layers to blend them all together into one image - not having PS and no real knowledge of image processing, I have some learning ahead of me.
Hi Cam, glad you like it - I use and old Canon 300D (Full spectrum modified) that I recently purchased from a friend (a good deal too), The down side is this model does not have live view for focusing and framing conveniently on a laptop. Today I received a Canon 90 degree magnifying finder to make this less of a problem (also obtained from a fellow IIS member from the classifieds here). This camera will keep me satisfied for another year or so whilst I am learning the ropes.
Hi Jo, I did play with the power stretch and did find it was improving the issue, but only because I like to learn by pushing buttons and flicking switches - great to know what it is for though, - Thanks!

[LightningNZ]

Ah yup, me too (the Canon 300D). The lack of Live View is a pain. I've had the camera for several years and it's really bugging me now.

[traveller]

Hi Bruce,
Once you get Photoshop, try these video tutorials from Doug Gorman, I found them to be very useful in learning the basics and advanced techniques http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caEIrhmP8IM
Cheers,
Bo

[BruceG]

Hi Bo,
Thanks for the video tutorial recommendations, I will definitely check them out.
Bruce.