I haven't been this proud of myself in a very long time!

[Intergage]

Hey all,

I hit a personal mile stone tonight by taking a decent picture of M42 (I know, god I know another Blurry M42) but I was so happy I made a little album of my progression over the past year odd.

http://imgur.com/a/u5qE6

I'm so proud, I can safely assume a large majority of you started this as a hobby because of pictures like this (and the other obvious awesome aspects of astronomy). The pictures that we all look at from the 'professional' amateur astrophotographers are magnitudes better obviously but to me, this is why I started spending time and money on this hobby. There is no turning back now! :D

[rustigsmed]

Well done Matt what was the exposure time?

[ourkind]

Yep there's nothing like seeing that first frame of the Orion Nebula appear on the back of your camera LCD or monitor! Great colours and detail well done!

[Intergage]

Thanks mate. It was a 30 second exposure, I can't remember what ISO I had it on. Pretty high if I remember correctly.

I can't wait to get my scope out of this light polluted area on a clear night!

[h0ughy]

well done - your on the slippery path

[Sconesbie]

There are some very good pictures there. You should be pleased with how they turned out.

[Intergage]

Thanks everyone!

First thing I looked at when I woke up was that picture. Just makes me wish I could sleep all day until the stars come out again :)

[RickS]

Congrats, Matt. Some nice shots of the moon there. Onward and upward!

[leon]

You have done well Matt, love the crispness of the Moon shots, and M42 isn't that shabby either, well done indeed.

Keep at it mate, it's only up from here.

Leon

[Quoll]

Some lovely shots Matt.

I’m a newbie and M42 is about the only DSO I’ve had a good look at to date. I just love looking at it and so really appreciate your excellent shot.

[niko]

Great work Matt, and nice to follow your progress.

maybe invest in a Bhatinov mask to help with the focus

niko

[Intergage]

Thanks mate. I know what you mean, the longer you look at it the more detail comes out. I have a street light directly behind my scope when looking at M42 and the houses deck lights to push through but what amazes me is I'm looking at something roughly 1500ly away about 15ly wide... It always takes me a couple of minutes to really wrap my head around and appreciate what I am looking at.

[SkyViking]

You should be proud, well done!
I started in astrophotography by modifying a cheap webcam so it could take long exposures. My first deep sky image was a tiny 640x480 blurry 4 second exposure of M42, so I know exactly how you feel :)
And your image of it is heaps better than anything I got back then.

[Intergage]

Thanks heaps man!
Is that your scope in your avatar? If so, how long have you been at this for? haha

[SkyViking]

Hi Matt, yes it's my home-made scope. You can see details of it here (http://www.rolfolsenastrophotography.com/Category/125-inch-Serrurier-Truss/i-Qdh5Gm8#!/Category/125-inch-Serrurier-Truss/i-gvwcjrX).
I have been a visual observer for about 23 years now and doing astrophotography for the last 11 years.
It doesn't feel that long though, time flies!

[Intergage]

Dude, I was looking at your website and this (http://www.rolfolsenastrophotography.com/Astrophotography/Galaxies/i-83wM38r/A) is amazing. Your work is awesome.

[PCH]

Wow oh wow Rolf,

Matt's comment made me curious and I couldn't resist taking a peak.

Boy am I glad I did. As he says, your work is beyond fantastic mate - it's awesome. I love the galaxy clusters and the sombrero galaxy, but all are incredible.

[SkyViking]

Thanks guys! Didn't mean to hijack Matt's thread though! :P

[Intergage]

Hahaha, I don't think I have left your site most of the day man. So awesome, so many cool ideas too.

Edit: Expect an order for a couple of poster! :P

[Fox]

Matt, a most enjoyable read and journey as your skills progress. The images are great! Thanks, Fox.

[PeterM]

Thats a fine album Matt. Nice Moon shots!

[Intergage]

Thanks everyone for the kind words! You have inspired and motivated me even more now. Lets all hope for clear sky!

[batema]

Matt,

Looking at your album was like taking a walk down memory lane. It is such a great hobby. I have all the photos you have but mine were on 35mm film. Well done and I look forward to all the progress in this rewarding field. It can be a tad frustrating at times.

Mark

[astronobob]

Nice going Matt, can see good improvements with each image :thumbsup: and I agree with your last words, "Theres No turning back now :P

[DavidU]

You should be proud Matt. Keep up the good work.:thumbsup: