Recently I have been asking questions about processing, and Histograms and the like, and I think I may be heeding your suggestions.
Therefore I would ask you to have a look at this image and give me your opinions, and offer any suggestions that may assist me in getting this right.
The image is of M42, and was taken a few weeks ago, but because my processing skills were pretty ordinary I decided not to post it, and realise that it is a little burnt out.
Since some of you explained what to look for and try, i followed your suggestions and came up with this, please comment.
The image consists of 6 expo's @ 3.00 mins each through the Tak 106 and 5D, on the G11, and guided with Philips Toucam.
Thank You, please be harsh if necessary, I wont be offended
Great shot Leon. The black is black and the colour is not too bright. It has that real milky appearance where the colours blend.Your stars are pin point and sharp. Remember with astro photography beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Almost all images have had some processing or another so who is to say one is better than another. It is realy an indication of your perception of the image and the only person you have to please is yourself.
Phil, thank you, and if I knew how to send a higher res image i would, Sorry.
And Doug, thank you also, yes, I expect your right in what you are saying in regard to the way the image appears to different people.
I do quite like it, and expect that when M42 gets a little higher for me, and a bit more to the West, I may be able to lose some of the light pollution i have to put up with.
When i took this i was imaging across the City glow.
A nice image Leon, sometimes one's first or early photos come out much better than expected because you are not swayed by the complexities of achieving something perfect in the first place. I recall some of my first shots. I was proud of the hazy out of focus pictures. But it is the first step on the ladder which can only go up. Well done and hope you will achieve similar and even better shots in the future. Obtaining an appraisal is the best way to go and we have many members who have a great deal to offer in advice and help, even to the point of touching up your shots for you.
Hi Leon, the colours are spot on. For 3 minute exposure, i think that is pretty much the maximum you can stretch. If you take 10 x 10 sec shots and use layer masked technique, you can get the core right now to even more details. overall, a fine image.
Leon, you have done a great job at processing this
background not to dark or clipped and the colors are very pleasing and image looks very sharp and detailed!
How you processed this image, must be on the right track!!
cheers Gary
Thanks Barb/Dave, I feel that I'm slowly getting there, and very happy with the results to date.
Eric, what you mentioned about Layer masking would probably be the way to go, but I still have to master that one, all in good time, I reckon.
leon
It is a technique and with layered masking, really depends on what settings. Play around with it until you are satisfied with the mask then flatten the mask
