[midnight (Darrin)]

Originally Posted by AG Hybrid

It's a lovely image. I'd be proud if I could produce a picture like that.

Thanks Adrian. I have been going back to this target night after night to try and fine tune some skills. I'm quite happy with this but always looking for those little hints to give that extra punch.

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Hey Darrin

Yes I like the framing, you have the colours just about right and there is plenty of "stuff" showing around the place.

The core could probably be done a little better though.

Make several versions (4?) each showing varying degrees of detail in the main nebula right down into the core, try and make each a nice version of just the region it is intended to showcase and don't worry about the rest of the image, then copy and paste them on top of each other and blend them until you have a seamless transition. The area around the core still needs to be pretty bright though, don't fall into the trap () of making the trap area look too dark otherwise it will look like there is a hole in the nebula.

Fair bit of trial and error but don't give up, the Orion Nebula is a challenge to process and very few versions get it right in my opinion but whaen you nail it it, it's worth the effort

Mike

Many thanks Mike! I'll certainly try to avoid falling into the "trap" . I'll give more attention to detail in the core. Cheers!

Originally Posted by suma126

looks really good to me love the colours and detail

Thanks Shane. The DSLR path is starting to show some limitations when compared to the osc ccd shots I've seen elsewhere. But I'll keep on this for a while.

Originally Posted by RickS

Good work, Darrin! You've captured lots of detail and nebulosity. I certainly agree with Mike's comment that M42 is a challenge to process though I might have used a stronger term

Cheers,
Rick.

Yes Rick, M42 is certainly challenging which is why I'm spending so much time on. Almost starting to want to go somewhere else but I really need to put more time into my post processing. I'm glad you liked it!

Originally Posted by Visionoz

Nice one Darrin! Like it overall especially when it's shot with the modded 40D - not bad, seems noiseless; must have been a bit cool at the time

Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill. I did spend a lot of time trying to control noise by staying at ISO800 & cooling (I wanted to do ISO400 but for a F7 scope this would not be enough). The cooling is great. I bought this camera off Paul Haese and it is certainly now becoming a real asset in summer as the temp warms up. Maybe QHY10 next Cheers!

Darrin...