My dolphin (SH2-308)

[Imme]

Here's my second bi-color NB image...….almost looks like an APOD as a thumbnail doesn't it...…...I'd suggest you don't open it unless you want to be disappointed!

I cant help but think (well I know) it's well over-processed and you wouldn't even need a fine tooth comb to pick it to pieces but I'm having fun! (by all means people if you want to send me back to the beginner section I'm happy to go.....just say the word I wont be offended!!!)

This is 4 hours of a mix of 7.5 & 10 minute exposures (assigned to red) and approx. 5 hours of 10 minute O3 (assigned to blue)….processed in Startools and I've thrown everything the program had on offer at it (sometimes multiple times!)

Feel free to pull it to pieces!

I'll have another try processing when I get a little more time (or maybe less time would be better!)

[Outcast]

Nice one Imme, looks good to me...

I'd be happy to capture that... :)

[Mickoid]

Jon, that's a great effort. I looked at other images of this object on the internet and yours is every bit as good, if not better than most. The detail is exquisite, what scope did you use, the WO 130? I'd be extremely happy with what you've achieved. Well done! :thumbsup:

[Imme]

Cheers Mick, yep, it was the FLT-132....I think I got one of the good ones :rofl:
Personally I think I can do better on the processing...really not happy with the softness of it. I also had some issues with microlensing with the asi1600 which meant I had to manipulate the pic a bit to get rid of it. All in all I'm happy....but know there is more there with some more refined processing.



Cheers Outcast.....don't get me wrong, I'm happy with it....I just know it can be better

[Placidus]

We opened it, and ... it's PBG: pretty bloody good !

The fainter material in the background is particularly fine.

[Imme]

Thanks guys, appreciate your positive feedback.

I think my expectations of myself may be a little high...........mainly brought about by the quality of your and many of the other top imagers work on here!

At least I have a goal to work toward.....

[multiweb]

I don't recall seeing a pic that deep of it. Certainly a top shot. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Anth10]

That certainly is an eye catching capture Imme! You have no reason to doubt your work mate just awesome.
Well done here on another fine effort -
PS - your in the right place here with such a result.
Keep it going
Anth

[strongmanmike]

That's a very good shot Imme, yes you have pushed it hard and so it is a little crunchy but man, it's pretty deep and bright :thumbsup: I had intended to shoot this with my FSQ106 and 16803 chip but alas, the continual fallout from fire season here in Canberra has made that all but impossible ....:sadeyes:

Mike

[Imme]

Cheers Mike, I definitely wrung it's neck to drag whatever I could out of it.....too far I'm sure but hey, I look at the stretch button a little like an accelerator. Wouldn't be there if it wasn't supposed to be pushed and pushed hard! :rofl:


Thanks Anth…..more of an eye squinting capture because it looks better that way!
How are the Ob's plans coming along?



Thanks Multiweb…...It's about 9 hours'ish total but I must admit it really has been dragged out hard.



I had another play last night to try and tone down the processing meaning rather than flog data with a stick I tried t caress it, show it some love and allow it to reveal itself like a flower...….think it's looking a little better, albeit a little dimmer.
I think I prefer the latest incarnation.

[gregbradley]

I agree you got a quite solid looking exposure there as this object is particularly faint.

Greg.

[Andy01]

Hi Jon,

Revised version looks pretty good imo - star colours look a bit muted though? :question:
'tis indeed a great target :D
Andy

[Imme]

Thanks Andy, you're on the knocker with the stars.....as soon as I sat back and looked at the 'finished product' i thought i could of upped the saturation a little on the stars, oh well, is what it is for this revision.
I'm enjoying the journey and looking forward to improving on each pic. Hoping to get to a point where I can produce a quality of work that wont look too out of place sitting next to your and the other top imagers on here. Always happy to get the feedback on how things could improve.....

....we all need a goal!



Thanks Greg, much happier with the new process although I obviously do have some way to go to image with the 'big boys'.....every pic is a learning curve for me.

[topheart]

Well done!
I think the revised version improves it significantly.
Cheers,
Tim

[Imme]

Cheers Tim.....the old saying of less is more definitely stands true!

[marco]

It is a very nice image Imme, the second version looks better and a bit more natural. This is an extremely faint object so you should be pretty happy with your result!
Clear skies
Marco

[Imme]

Thanks a million Marco.....really appreciate the positive feedback and encouragement. Especially from you guys who seem to create amazing pictures so easily (although I know it’s many years practice, knowledge and an intimate knowledge of the equipment you’re using)

[gregbradley]

The later version is definitely an improvement.

Digital processing has an apparency where it appears you can do almost anything with an image.

The truth though, is we are quite limited in our adjustments if we want a natural looking image.

The best astro processing is like a Ninja. Noone can tell you were even there!

Greg.

[Imme]

Very true Greg......agree with you 100%.

I obviously need to spend a little more time wearing dark clothes and hanging out in the shadows!

[multiweb]

That's been my approach to imaging for the past few months. I haven't even been there.

[gregbradley]

:rofl:

[Paul Haese]

That's pretty good for a short image. Detail looks quite good to me in the original post. Colour is not bad either.

[Pyali]

Just started this target the other night, hope mine turns out half as decent! Looks like some pretty good data is there.