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.