Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamtarn
I did use the HPF with an overlay hide all mask using the brush tool on finer details
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Good stuff. Have you tried this same process, but with a larger radius for HPF? Give it a try to see what you think on some of your images. Try between 40 to 60 pixels. A larger radius brings out the large structures of nebulosity and big features. Gives it a little more punch and definition. You can apply this via a mask as you've done previously or over the entire image. There are not many functions you'd apply across an entire image, but this can be one of them as its very time consuming to paint the large structures with a hide all mask. If you do decide to apply across the entire image, after the application of HPF, you'll notice the stars have gone "wacky" and don't look natural as the process has heavily pushed their saturation. Use the colour range tool to select the stars, expand and feather the selection. Then delete them (Delete key or Edit | Clear menu item) from the HPF layer. This will allow the more natural looking stars to come back through the layer below (typically the background layer). If this HPF layer is too abrupt, just drop the layer's opacity to taste.
I usually work on a two step process with this technique. Work on the large structure, then the finer details. I first perform what I've highlighted above, flatten, then do the same thing, but with a smaller radius say 6 pixels to really pick out the finer details using a mask. The brush flow and opacity are always set at 100% along with the hardness. Make sure you blur the hide all mask to provide a smooth transition. Then dial back the layer's opacity to your liking. There probably a few other ways to do this, but this is what I've found most effective. I've also been experimenting with the shadow/highlights tool on monochome luminance layers, but we'll leave that for another day.
Yes, flexure could be an issue for 2350mm. Also with the guide scope, unless you plan to use a pick off prism (OAG) along the optical path for guiding. Look forward to seeing more.
Cheers
