To Clip or Unclip!

[Warhen (Warren)]

This list has become a collection of really fine photographers! Many newer imagers are spending lots of money on good equipment and managing to do a pretty good job with acquisition. It continues to strike me however, how essential processing fundamentals such as basic Curves are going unlearned. That's the very foundation of keeping good data through the processing workflow as opposed to pitching it out.

This past week, I've been shopping for a used ED on Astromart and a couple of guys were kind enough to send examples of their work to illustrate the scopes. Attached is a typical example (can't seem to attach?) of what's been sent as compared with a well-Curved image. It confounds me because it's as easy to do it right as it is to do wrong.

I would encourage the newbies to start at the beginning if they aspire to getting the best they can out of their hard work. Ron Wodaski's and Jerry Lodriguss's two books, my IP4AP.com linked below, and many other sources on the web can show you the way.

Keep it up!

Truly,

[matt]

hmmmmmmmmmm....

the free tutorials may prove handy but there's a bit of drumming up $$$$$$$$$$ business at your IP4AP address there too, Warren.

No offence intended

[EzyStyles (Eric)]

my perception of astrophotography is an art from the eye of the beholder. If it looks good for some, it looks good.

[spearo (Frank)]

Drumming up one's own business here doesnt seem very appropriate.
This site thrives on amateurs sharing their expertise and opinion and helping each other out.

I guess if someone is making money with it...that might rule them out of the amateur category.

frank

[atalas]

Guy's I respectfully disagree. There is some very good free tuts on Warren Kellers site and the one on one lessons that he offers are of great value .
I my self have had a few lessons with Warren and It has opened up a hole new world to me ! guy's I only had three lesson !

Those here on IIS who know my shots from a year a go will understand what I'm saying and those who don't just look up my early shots on IIS to see for your self.
So we spend a ton of money on equiptment and we go and buy books and we look at every other good imagers out there and we don't say to our selfs I wish I could do that! and we spend years in trying to get better ?
Man the problem we all have as new imagers is that we don't understand the basics !

"Build a solid foudation and you will build an empire"

I for one am a strong supporter of what he offers the imaging community and can say with confidence that your processing skill and artistic quality will increase tenfold !
When we have a star party are not retailers invited ? when we do a product review don't we push a manufacturers product ?
This man has put in a lot of his own time just to do the free tutorials to help get all the begginer images started !

I am already helping others as a direct result of what I've learnt from Warren,and yes they are IIS members !


Kudos to Warren Keller !

"Lets not cut off our nose to spite our face"

[jase (Jason)]

I do agree that clipping is something that everyone should learn how to do well. Many new starters loose valuable information due to lack of basic processing knowledge. IMHO, actually taking for image with all the tracking, framing, focusing, exposure length etc, etc is "EASY" part. Stretching is can play a critical role in processing.

As quoted in http://www.ayton.id.au/gary/Science/...graphy_Adv.htm:
"Give me an 8" LX200 and a ST7XME and put me up against a 14" RC with a ST10XME. If the owner of the 14" RC cant image process, then I produce the finer image."

Many underestimate the importance of good processing, but it comes down to what you like in an image. There are some astrophotographers that do exceptional work, but I found their processing techniques result in a "plastic" feel to the image - its just way too smooth. Sometimes a bit of noise is good.

I would recommend having a look at Gary's site as a reference. There are some nice articles and feeds from astrophotography chat sites. http://www.ayton.id.au/gary/Science/...hotography.htm

No plugs, no $$$$ required, just raw information. I don't believe in paying for such information. As an astrophotography group, we should be working collectively to bring out the best in each other and share our experience freely not for profit.

[RB (Andrew)]

In this matter I totaly agree with Louie and Jase.
I'm not one to knock people for their work whether they're newbie's or experts. I do however like to give constructive advice when I think it's warranted.
If I didn't listen to the advice given to me by others when I first joined IIS, I'd still be ignorant of the basics.

A year ago, Louie gave me two of the most important pieces of advice that has helped me along immensely. Seeing him return now with such images that he is producing is evidence that listening to other's advice is crucial in one's own growth in image processing.

I would urge anyone, no matter where in the learning stage they are to at least get the basics down in their workflo and then grow from there.

I know I still have a long way to go, so I intend to soak up as much info as I can to better myself in this area.