More Hits than Elvis...

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Yes- it's another M42, so I'll apologize in advance for the boring image cliche.

But it's also the object that started my fascination (obsession) with AP just 18 months ago, and I'm reasonably happy with it overall.

This is my first post out of the beginners' section and into the big boys sandpit, so I hope you'll forgive my impertinance... I still regard myself as a beginner compared to most of the skilled folks here!

This image is a bit noisy too. I think I need to create more time & temperature specific darks and reprocess the data as the weather is warming up and my -20 5 min master dark doesn't seem to be working as well. Even though the setpoint of the camera is still -20C, I noticed it was only running at -14C.

I currently have 30 sec, 60 sec, 2 min, 5 min & 10 min master darks, but not all at -20C.

Exposure details...

4x30 secs
8x60 secs
25x300secs
Captured in Nebulosity, processed and layered in Photoshop with assistance from some NIK ColorEfex pro filters.

Thanks again for looking

PS - For a bit of laugh, I've also posted my first very average effort from 18 months ago- seems a lifetime ago now, bey we all started somewhere I guess

[John K]

Terrific shot, even thought a bit noisy as you say - great processing - and looks like you are well on your way to mastering AP after 18 months. Really liking the results that some IIS members are getting with OSC CCD's.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Lovely image!

[RickS (Rick)]

That's a nice one too, Andy. You've come a long way from the first version

[alpal]

Hi Andy,
You certainly have come a long way -
a good result but a little over processed but I suppose
that's just artistic license.

cheers
Allan

[DavidNg (David)]

Good work Andrew, love the first image.
David

[multiweb (Marc)]

That's a beautiful shot. Well done.

[gregbradley]

That is a very good image there. Nice work and great colours.

Greg.

[stevous67 (Steve M)]

Hi Andy,

Well, you are certainly getting a grip of the different aspects of this hobby. Nicely done!

Steve

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Well Andrew, your obsession is starting to show though technically it's not perfect, you're right but no image is in reality and looking at this version of M42 I can see a very promising future ahead of you, lovely colours and dynamic range control

I liked the past comparison too...now, try again in 27 years HERE

[TimberLand (Justin)]

Andrew I totally agree with Mike, you have come along way in a short time.

My effort on film in 1992 with a 300 mm lens is trumped by Mikes 1984 version. Good technology is one third of the equation but skill and patients are the other two thirds.

Process out the noise and add to what is going to be a great collection.

Justin

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Wow, I'm blown away by all of your support and encouragement.

There's some very kind words there from IIS members whose work I respect and admire very much indeed - thanks everyone, it really means a lot to see some light at the end of the AP tunnel after tearing one's hair out in backyard suburbia for so long. (Which is probably why I shave my head now )

Like many others, we all learn and continue to learn so much from the freely given advice, recommendations and helpful suggestions from the IIS AP community.

Can I also send a quick shout out to the ASV AP group for the very helpful advice given at their monthly meetings this year.

Clear skies everyone.
Andy