Hi

[Campus Dweller]

Joined up today. First post. Have been observing the forums with great interest for some time, but until recently have not had much time for posting.
Having been a visual amateur astronomer for some 30 years, and with lots of experience hunting DSOs, I'm not a beginner to the hobby.

Having said that, the digital imaging revolution IS something that has grown so rapidly I'm well behind in knowledge. Wasn't so long ago I was chasing faint galaxies by strahopping with my Herald-Bobroff atlas; still use it but now I also use an Argo Navis (fantastic piece of equipment), so I have headed to the digial age; but the modern imaging - WOW!

I have a couple of albums with prints of star fields and some moon and planet shots taken with an Olympus OM1, but never did get into using film for long exposure deep sky photography. Basically, I regarded serious Astrophotograpy as a sideline to amateur astronomy done by a keen and patient few. Now it seems the hobby IS 80-90% digital imaging.

If I decide to head down that path at least I'll know where to get advice!

Now that I'm in a job (nearly 4 months now) with a computer on my desk and some idle moments I'll look forward to participating rather than just tuning in to read occasionally.

Glad to be on board
Drew

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Drew, to IceInSpace! Great to have you here.

Where abouts in Sydney are you?

Digital imaging certainly is a huge learning curve. I've been doing planetary imaging for a few years but have also just started dabbling in DSO imaging with my 350D and an ED80. It's a different beast, that's for sure. A whole other learning curve to start on.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions and I look forward to your contributions.

[Outbackmanyep]

Welcome Campus Dweller,
Im sure you'll find IIS users a likeable bunch.....

[Campus Dweller]

Thanks Mike. I actually live in Wollongong, but commute daily. As my Ice-in-Space 'identity' will be from work, I've put my location as Sydney. I've seen your exploits as an imager in several sources, including "Astronomy Picture of the Day"

Hi Outbackmanyep. My father-in-law comes from Walcha and one side of my own families roots are in Murrurundi; although I haven't been out there for a looong time! You must have good skies for observing.

[Ric]

Hi Drew and welcome to the gang here at IIS.

I'd like to see some of your images with the OM1 if you get a chance to scan and post them.

Cheers

[acropolite (Phil)]

Hi Drew and welcome to IIS. Hope you enjoy your time here.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Hi Drew!
Welcome to IIS.

[fringe_dweller]

HEY!

...any relation hmmm?

welcome fellow dweller!

[Outbackmanyep]

Originally Posted by Campus Dweller

Hi Outbackmanyep. My father-in-law comes from Walcha and one side of my own families roots are in Murrurundi; although I haven't been out there for a looong time! You must have good skies for observing.

I moved from Penrith about 6 years ago....was a really good move i must admit.
The skies are awesome here! Only 2 things i wish would make it better, 1 that i can warm my feet in winter when out imaging in -6 degrees, and 2 is the FOG that comes through in the Autumn and Spring months.....especially after rain...although we need rain badly here....we can do without the fog! hehe
Love it here!
if yur ever in town let me know!

[Terry B]

Hi Drew
Welcome from the high country.