Orion - improving the black

[niko]

Hi all,

hoping someone might be able to help

I'm pretty happy with this image of Orion except for the noise in the black. Could anyone suggest how I improve that in Photoshop?

many thanks

niko

[rustigsmed]

hi niko,

you can either collect more data to smooth it out, or have a steeper contrast, or apply noise reduction to the darker areas.

to apply a quick noise reduction, a simple way is to go to "select", -> "colour range" -> select shadows.
then go to "filters" -> "noise" -> "reduce noise" and then play with the settings there to get the outcome you like. use advance options for more control. there are of course other methods, this is simple and quick, it may soften some of the nebula however but you can be more selective with the colour or selection of areas (lasoo tool etc).

hope that helps.

russ

[barx1963]

Niko
I was just watching this little video http://www.atalas.net/noise-reduction-masks-for-photoshop not sure if it will help but you never know!!

Malcolm