NGC 3324 and Gem Cluster

[Andy01]

Hi Folks,

Here's an image that has taken a while to bring to life.
30x5 mins SBIG 8300c OSC shot from my backyard in Melbourne's burbs through a Hutech IDAS LP filter.

After some failed attempts I finally got on top of dithering when capturing, then applied flats & darks as usual.

Processing was interesting, I had a mate separate out the stars for me with Straton, (it's PC only, and I use a mac) then I used the layered files, treating the nebulosity and stars separately.
This is the umpteenth version of this I've worked on but so far it's the one I'm happiest with. :)

Some purists may take issue with the artificial diffraction spikes, generated in Astro tools 1.6, but I'm trying for a more creative effect, instead of a true and accurate record of the object. I'm also framing and orienting this composition to feature the profile of Gabriela Mistral herself.

Anyway, thanks for looking, feedback is as always heartily welcome.

Cheers

Andy

PS:I've just uploaded a second version without the diffraction spikes, with a colour tweak and a bit more detail brought out around her neck.

[strongmanmike]

I can see why you are happy with it Andy, the multiple processing attempts have paid off, lovely result with pleasing colours :thumbsup: As for the artifical star spikes, you're right not for everyone, personally I have never really seen them used where they don't look like fake spikes, so for that reason I always believe they are out of place.... eccept perhaps on a Christmas card :)

Nice work

Mike

[alpal]

Hi Andy,
nice framing to get the NGC 3293 open cluster in as well.
I would have preferred it without the spikes.
Good image.

cheers
Allan

[atalas]

Nice depth Andy!good work from the burbs and as far as spikes go well,there's nothing real about spikes caused by spiders anyway...,still an artifact so do what pleases you.

[DJT]

Thats nicely done. Like the composition and the processing. Cool:thumbsup:

[gregbradley]

I like the first one. Perhaps a slight boost to the blue channel - not much.

The 2nd one seems oversmoothed and too much noise reduction.

The first one is quite dynamic with a good range of brightnesses and you've highlighted that beautiful cluster both with the spikes and the framing along the diagonal which is pleasing to the eye.

Greg.

[Andy01]

Cheers Mike, somewhat overawed an delighted that you liked it. Love your work :)





Thanks Atalas, life would be boring if we all did the same thing eh? Cheers AC





Thanks very much Greg. As you know I'm still just very, very new at this so your positive feedback means a great deal. Thanks indeed! Cheers Ac