First decent attempt (M42)

[Davros (Lauren)]

This is my first attempt at M42 and my second ever astro image. It is only 30 minutes worth of data comprised of 30 second subs shot through a Canon 5D and ED80. From suburban Caboolture. It needs a lot more data for better colour but i can only work with what i have processed in lightroom after stacking in DSS.

[Davros (Lauren)]

Constructive feedback sought and appreciated. Is the lack of colour able to be pulled out due to a lack of data? More time needed?

[stevous67 (Steve M)]

Hi Lauren,

Good work for your first M42.

It appears a light pollution problem, with you clipping the images black side to reduce the lighting from the captured sodium element.

How to get more colour? You need a darker site, or higher image processing skills. Processing skills come with experience and guidance, but this will never substitute for a dark sky site. So, find a safe dark site, and try again.

Your focus and tracking looks good.

Steve

[jsmoraes (Jorge)]

It seems to be ok. You realized a good capture. Canon and DSS have some problems with colors and bright saturation of stars. To minimize them I am working with multi ISO frames. Stacking them separately and mixing them on Photoshop.
For better colors I am trying with different sets of slider of color in RAW convertion tab of DSS.

Up to now I didn't obtain an excellent result, but they seem to be somewhat better. My Canon is a very old model: 350D

[Ross G]

Nice first attempt Lauren.

It is a difficult object because of its large exposure range.

A darker site always helps but might not always be possible, so keep on adding more exposures.

Good luck.

Ross.