|
I tend to disagree that you need focal length to make an impact. Three of my images were taken with a wide field instruments (FSQ-530mm and TOA150-1050mm). The only deep space photo was NGC1365 taken at ~2800mm. It’s not about the equipment but the creativity you put behind the image. I’ve said this before on other posts – anyone can take a photo, but to take a good one with a lasting impression is the difficultly. If you can capture the imagination of the viewer, you’ve hit the mark. I don’t think any of my images presented perform the latter, but I try.
Wide field work provides spacial distance which is meaningful to many and can be easier to associate with visually. Its always a visual feast to frame a few targets in the single FoV or a small mosaic. Equally, deep space work can offer an alternate perspective on a common target. Fred’s recent deep space M8 post I often go back to a have another look. It was only a Ha image, but I found it mesmerising. When you map the area using the line tool in Maxim, you can start to really visualise the 3D effect of the stellar nursery. Taken with mediocre gear, just bucket loads of data and careful processing.
All forms of imaging has its merits and most images have a story behind them that make it special for the astrophotographer. This shouldn't be overlooked - this first person you are trying to please when taking photos is yourself. If the driving force is someone else, forget about it. Astrophotographers need to think outside the square. Think about the composition; add data from different focal lengths; go deep; produce a mosaic, blend in NB to true colour, there are endless variations. If you want to hit the mark, you need to do better than simply point the telescope to the sky and open the shutter. Think before you shoot.
You're kidding yourself if all you are focused on is equipment capabilities. In this game, you quickly realise that image processing is king. Sure, if you have a shotty mount that doesn't track or guide very well because you've got an oversized OTA on it, then you're off to a bad start. Helps to have a baseline and expectation to work toward.
The goal of image processing is to bring out the best in the data you’ve acquired. There is nothing scientific about it considering you’re modifying pixel values in the quest for beauty – which is the absolute opposite of real scientific data such as astrometry or photometry where you are trying to keep the original data values (hence the screen stretch function that doesn’t modify pixel values, just alters the image screen buffer). You can of course produce pretty pictures that look natural and unprocessed. That is an art in itself, as it’s always easier to work the data over too much. We’ve all been there. It’s key to find a balance. Does NB count as scientific? Hmmm. I will agree with Fred that I don’t feel NB is given much credit in comps compared to true colour imaging. Perhaps that’s simply a perception thing. The two are different when it comes to processing and provide interesting challenges.
While imaging is a solo pursuit, don't be scared to collaborate with others on an imaging project. You only have to see some of the work Martin Pugh and Rob Gendler have done together. Sure, we are talking about two guys with access to high end gear, but you don't have follow the footsteps of these two. Nothing stopping you from doing collaborative work on a smaller scale. Layer some data from a friends long FL SCT over a wide field image for example. You'll be surprised what you'll learn and build confidence in processing data of different types. There is nothing wrong with entering work into the comp which is a collaborative effort.
This is the first time I’ve entered. I'll be honest; my work simply hasn’t been to the standard I’ve been comfortable with previous years. It has improved, but I know I’m capable of pushing the envelope further given more imaging time under my belt. I have no expectations being the first year, so I know I won’t be disappointed regardless of what happens. There are some great Australian imagers on this forum that have what it takes to continually deliver quality astro images. If you don't push yourself and test the waters, you'll never know your limits.
|