As I was finishing imaging the Sculpter Galaxy. Orion was high enough above the horizon to start imaging. So I thought I would attempt to image M42, capturing the full range of dynamic range. This is actually my second attempt at imaging the Orion Nebula, so I was very excited browsing the sub frames as they came in. The central area is very bright needing short exposures to properly expose this area of the Nebula.
I captured a total of approx. 18 minutes worth of data which consisted of 2 x 5 min subs, 2 x 2 min 30 sec subs, 2 x 1 min 25 sec subs, 2 x 30 sec subs, 2 x 15 sec subs and 2 x 5 sec subs. I would've liked to capture more data but this was just a test to see what the result would be once processed.
I stacked all the images seperately in DSS with individual dark frames. Then, I put them all together in PS using layer masks. This is the first time combining images using this technique so it is quite new to me. Apart from that I am fairly happy with it but not overly.
I am hoping to have another go at the Orion Nebula tonight capturing more data and dynamic range.
I'm really looking forward to giving it another go. Next time I'm thinking of adding a couple of 10 minute subs as well.
Careful with your ISO though if you're going to do 10 min on Orion, lower ISO so you can pick up structure without saturating the frame, be mindful of your sky fog limit.
Careful with your ISO though if you're going to do 10 min on Orion, lower ISO so you can pick up structure without saturating the frame, be mindful of your sky fog limit.
Can't wait.
Thanks for the advice Andrew.
A 10 minute sub may be too long at my location as you have mentioned. Instead, I may have to go for a shorter sub. However, it wont hurt to try though.
Jeepers Matty that has come out very nice, your technique seems to have worked well, I bet when Orion is a bit higher we can expect some awesome images from you.
Jeepers Matty that has come out very nice, your technique seems to have worked well, I bet when Orion is a bit higher we can expect some awesome images from you.
Leon
Thanks Leon,
I've been redily reprocessing the M42 data and I'm almost done. I will post it ASAP.
M42 is a tough target. It's one of those "standard candles", hence presenting an image that rises above above the noise it not easy.
-take the time to do flat fields...there is evidence if vignetting in your data
-work harder on the guiding....the stars are elongated.
-focus. focus....and did I mention focus? This is the one thing you can really nail. Aim for pinpoints...if the seeing doesn't co-operate...well at least you tried.
-colour balance....pretty good!
M42 is a tough target. It's one of those "standard candles", hence presenting an image that rises above above the noise it not easy.
-take the time to do flat fields...there is evidence if vignetting in your data
-work harder on the guiding....the stars are elongated.
-focus. focus....and did I mention focus? This is the one thing you can really nail. Aim for pinpoints...if the seeing doesn't co-operate...well at least you tried.
-colour balance....pretty good!
Stick with it
Thanks for the advice Peter.
This was quite a rushed job so I didn't really check the focus. Next time.
Nice image Matt. A hard one to get just right. I still haven't got there but it's not for the want of trying. Eventually lots of various exposures will get it all right for us both.
Having another look at my first image, I realised that there was a lot of room for improvement. So I went through the whole process again using the layer mask technique. It took a while but I think it has paid off. This is what I have ended up with.
This was quite a rushed job so I didn't really check the focus. Next time.
Now Matt that is a no no tut tut focus is everything!
I think your first attempt is much better than your second actually, the second looks like you tried too hard to reveal the inner area and ended up making it obvious what you have done, the first version blends the layering quite well and balances the huge brightness variation better. It is understandable to want to reveal all the fine structure in the really bright bits but if you go too hard and still try showing the faint stuff your image risks looking a bit unatural.
The Orion Nebula is mush harder to show in its full dynamic range than people think, 95% of images I have seen show obvious processing in order to reveal the core...take care and try and make the gradual brightness changes from the trap out more natural and seemless, the resulting image will be much better
You msut take flats particularly in light polutted skies, this will improve images like this no end.
A rewarding effort none the less though, and I am only giving feedback not being negative, I know this was only a test type image so the next one you do will be even better
Now Matt that is a no no tut tut focus is everything!
I think your first attempt is much better than your second actually, the second looks like you tried too hard to reveal the inner area and ended up making it obvious what you have done, the first version blends the layering quite well and balances the huge brightness variation better. It is understandable to want to reveal all the fine structure in the really bright bits but if you go too hard and still try showing the faint stuff your image risks looking a bit unatural.
The Orion Nebula is mush harder to show in its full dynamic range than people think, 95% of images I have seen show obvious processing in order to reveal the core...take care and try and make the gradual brightness changes from the trap out more natural and seemless, the resulting image will be much better
You msut take flats particularly in light polutted skies, this will improve images like this no end.
A rewarding effort none the less though, and I am only giving feedback not being negative, I know this was only a test type image so the next one you do will be even better
Mike
Thanks for your reply Mike.
I appreciate the feedback and I agree with you 100%. I think I over did it with the reprocessed version.
Next time I will remember to keep the look as natural as possible. It is definitely hard to get the right balance between too much and too less.
focus is everything! 
