There will be at least 3 revisions of this same image. The only thing I couldn't get consistent is the stretching and the background gradient removal.
For stretching, I had to stretch each copy of the layer at least 5 times. I finalized by referring to the original (originally uploaded image no revisions) image and trying to match the different tones in the galactic centers.
For gradient removal, I followed this process (
http://www.flemingastrophotography.com/gradients.html) which consisted of copying the image to a new window, using the clone stamp tool to "remove" the brighter stars and all of the galaxies and background objects I could, applying a median filter to that image, and then "Applying" the median'ed image to the original windowed image, subtracting the median image adjusting the offset to your liking. I tried to make it the same for each image, but wasn't able to get it just perfect.
Finally, the first image is the original image with no FLATS, no BIAS, and no DARKS.
Revision B is the same image with DARKS and FLATS with NO BIAS
Revision C is the same image with FLATS and NO DARKS OR BIAS
I think this is an important test for me, because I use my camera's "built in" noise removal. It seems to do a pretty good job at it, though yes, it is annoying to wait for the same length of the exposure, I think it makes a pretty good image in the end.
What are your thoughts about using your camera's built-in noise removal? Do you use it, or do you take darks after each imaging session?
That's one thing I don't think I can do right now is take darks after each session... I'm usually out until I can't hold my eyes open any more, then I have to stay awake for 30 more minutes to get everything packed up... LOL... Sometimes, darks are just too much!
Thoughts?
Thanks!
-Duane
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