Here's my re-processed version of M42 and the running man from Wiruna.
Taken with QHY8 gain0 offset 60 at prime focus on Celestron 130 SLT. Guided with PHD on ED80/G11. Captured in Nebulosity 2.
Dark/Bias subtracted, flat applied in CCD Stack. Composite of 5x900s, 10x300s, 10x60s and 5x15s. Bit of noise reduction and compositing work in photoshop, mainly masks to reveal the different layers of brightness then shadow/highlight filter to accentuate the colors and tone down further the brightest parts. I found it very difficult to balance the colors and the difference in illumination from the core to the edges. Let me know what you think. Comments and processing tips most welcome. Slight amount of field rotation due to polar alignment on longer subs so don't look on the edges
Full frame available at:
http://www.multiweb.com.au/astro/M42_f.jpg [2.5MB file]