Anyone try Astronomy tools plugin for photoshop?

[Garyh]

Hello,
Just wondering if anybody has tryed these plugins for Photoshop?
They sound very good and cheap, I am after something to remove blue haloes around stars and to tighten them up and came across these on the net.

http://actions.home.att.net/Astronomy_Tools.html.

Gary

[rogerg (Roger)]

Gary,

I'd try these first if I were you, they're free..

http://www.grekalova.com/photo_Astroplugins.html

I have them installed and occasionally use them, usually for the star-rounder to remove a little trailing. There is also a filter included for removing the incorrect star colour but I haven't tried it for a long time so can't remember how good it was.

Roger.

[Garyh]

Thanks Roger, just downloaded a bunch from the site you mentioned!!!
Anything for free is worth ago..
Star rounder sounds good as have a few pics with trailing that I usually disregard.
CS..Gary

[33South (Chris)]

Dont forget the Yahoo Group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AstroPlugins/

Mmmmm free stuff....

[Harpspitfire]

ok, i know noel that wrote the actions- hes a tremendous processor by all standards- these ATN,s really kept my interest high in photography- i believes the lastest also includes FITS processing- from my understanding a new release will be out that also includes photo elements, needless to say any further ATNs or changes are all included with the initial package- i definitely recommend them

[joe_smith]

Yes I purchased it a couple of days ago. The before and after images sold me. It seems ok. I mainly wanted it for the Light Pollution Removal option but cant seem to get it right. Like all software you have to learn to use it properly. Some example tutorials would help a lot. You get a lot of actions for $25AU and get all the future upgrades as well for free.

Harpspitfire - are there any example tutorials for using the ATN's?

[rogerg (Roger)]

If you have photoshop and want to remove light pollution, it should be quite simple:

1) Duplicate
2) suitably gausian blur the duplicate
3) touch up the duplicate to remove tree's, correct nebulosity, etc using gradient tools.
4) darken the duplicate by about 20
5) subtract the duplicate from the original by using "apply image" with perahaps about 80 or 90% strength.

I haven't found a situation that doesn't work for yet, but only discovered it like that a month or 2 back.

There are other tools people use, but I'm not familiar with them.

Roger.

[joe_smith]

Thanks Roger I'll give it a go

[Harpspitfire]

joe, i just swith to button mode and let it go automatically- then ill use the 'layer on top' or 'layer underneatrh' to blend them if i want too, you can see some the results in the DSO section over at UKAI, just look under noel or noel/greg

[Harpspitfire]

i have to try that, i use a different method for now-
dup the image
dup the layer
dust and scratches- radius 34-38 threshold 4-8
blend mode- difference
layer- adjust percentage to suit
flatten

[Garyh]

Thanks everyone, might give them a go, have still have a bit to learn with PS masks etc and layers.....
Sounds like your method Harpspitfire would work well with vinnetting as well..
CS
Gary

[Harpspitfire]

to a degree, vinnetting is a problem by itself though, you can elimate it but when you stretch the image- it naturally creeps back in

[Striker (Tony)]

1 click of the mouse with astronomy tools actions..plus a little sharpening.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Sorry to revive an old thread....
Has anyone tried using these Plugins in PaintShop Pro X4??
I see from my google search that many/ most PS plugins should work in PSP...
Can anyone confirm this before I spend the $$$$ to find out??
Thanks.