M42, probably disrespecting of the light.

[rat156]

Hi All,

M42, the "easy" target.

Four different exposure lengths in Ha (60, 120, 300 and 600 secs), two different RGB exposure lengths (120 and 300 secs), all combined with the magic of layers in Photoshop.

What a huge processing challenge, I gave up on this one several times, couldn't get what I wanted. In the end I may have pushed a bit too far with the sharpening (as usual), but I like the overall image, a bit of noise never hurt anyone...

Though I've just had a thought of how to fix that up a bit.

Cheers
Stuart

[Paul Haese]

It's an interesting looking process Stuart. Almost what you see through a big scope particularly around the trap.

[Placidus]

I really, really like that. A good rendition.

[gregbradley]

That's a ripper image there Stuart.

Greg.

[alocky]

Completely and utterly disrespectful. Love it. It does remind me of the view through a big dob, but the mackerel bit around the trapezium always looks blue/green to me.
We should start a 'diss the light' movement in Astro art.
Cheers
Andrew.

[alpal]

I like it.

[Rigel003]

Wow! Those deep reds hit you like a slap in the face. It's strikingly beautiful though. Well done in giving a new take to such a familiar object.

[Slawomir]

Very nice image Stuart!

Any chances of seeing a full resolution version? :)

[rat156]

Had to remember how to use Flickr...

https://flic.kr/p/CuJWek

Cheers
Stuart

[Slawomir]

The high res is even nicer :thumbsup:

[graham.hobart]

That's super mate!
It reminds me of one of those ?post Raphaelite paintings, a sweeping red velvet cloak with sparkling jewels. Thanks for sharing
Graham :thumbsup:

[IanP]

For me it looks more like painter’s work than astrophotographer’s, but the overall impression is: IMPRESSIVE !!!
:hi:

[Andy01]

Hi Stuart, Yes that's a very bold rendition of a classic, but you have brought something new to it which is itself an achievement! Nice one :)

[Shiraz]

what a great result. You have managed to get the full dynamic range without it looking flat and artificial - well done.