What a difference a bit of reading makes...

[DavidTrap]

I've been doing a bit of reading about processing. Here are my two efforts at M8 recently - I'm much happier with the second image.

The major change was to use curve as per recipes from Warren Keller.

Thanks for looking,

DT

[telecasterguru]

David,

You have really ben able to drag out the detail in the second image. Really well worked out.

Frank

[multiweb]

Nice one. :thumbsup: The shadows/highlights tool in PS comes handy for this.

[David Fitz-Henr]

Hello David, yes the second image is much better! You've brought out the faint nebulosity and avoided burning out the core - it's amazing how far a bit of knowledge can take you!

[Octane]

What a huge difference a simple curve makes.

You're well on your way. I think it can be subjected to a bit more adjustment curves without blowing out the core.

Add a little saturation, too.

Once satisfied hit up some levels to equalize the image, tend the background towards black/darkness and remove casts.

Well done, mate!

H

[DavidTrap]

Thanks Gentlemen,

I've still got a lot to read! Also need to get out and inconvenience some more photons...

DT

[bert]

David,

Also have a look at Adam Blocks tutorials, they are the very helpful and practical.

Brett

[jjjnettie]

:thumbsup: Reading is good.
That second image is just great!!

[bartman]

Hi David,
These 'recipies from David Keller', are they the video tutorials from the website of "ip4ap.com" ?
Are they applicable to photoshop elements 8? and is it worth the $$$.
I listened to the free intermediate tute and found his voice .......um not so enjoyable. Sounds computer generated :)
I watched the "histogram mysteries" and that was better.
Thanx
Bartman

[DavidTrap]

Bartman - they are from a series of articles Warren Keller submitted to Astrophotography Insight (an online magazine) - I would guess the content is in his videos too.

DT

[MrB]

LOL Bart, I just watched a sample video too.
There's no way I could sit through any more of that.... even if they were free.

[bartman]

Cool Thanks David,
I am just about to have a play with one of my photos using the tips given in his histogram and curves tute....see if that makes a difference.
And I'll check out Astro insight too!!!
Thanx again
Bartman

oops and sorry MrB... missed your post ...but yeah takes a bit of getting used to... BTW my boss's nickname is also MrB!!!!

[DavidTrap]

Shadows / Highlights is way cool.

Thanks Marc,

DT

[Hagar]

Nice images David and yes I like the second one. It's all a learning game with some bigger improvements than others.
Well done, keep reading.

[TrevorW]

You should see the stack of paper I've printed from web articles about processing

It's a minefield

Well done !!

[DavidTrap]

Agreed Trevor,

I've been hovering around this issue for some time - partly from a lack of data to do anything with, and partly from not know where to start.

I think there's a song that could be applicable, "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start"

Unfortunately, the location of the beginning for astrophotography processing isn't as clear as in the song!

DT

[multiweb]

Understanding how a CCD works and the process of calibration, normalization and data rejection is where to start. That alone is gold. It will lay strong foundations for the rest. Regardless of the programs used I highly recommend Adam Block's series at caelum observatory (http://www.caelumobservatory.com/) to start with. Not cheap but it's money in the bank IMHO. Have fun.