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Hi all, Here is the link to my first astrophotography of the Pleiades: https://cdn.astrobin.com/images/81504/2021/3487ef99-2614-45e6-b946-e550bbad8d40.tif This is one of my first processed images in this hobby, and my first on AstroBin. My gear includes a NIKON D800 DSLR camera, William Optics Red Cat 51 telescope, and an iOptron Skyguider Pro tracking mount. This image was taken from Bortle Class 4 skies in rural England, on January 6th 2021. No filter used, no guiding, 135 x 60 second subs (ISO 1600). I have so far been following photoshop tutorials on the internet and also using some previous experience in general photography. I processed this image using Adobe CC Photoshop, using general curves stretching and levels adjustments, and a bit of star reduction. This was the first time I targeted specific stars for reduction in my workflow, using the 'Filter -> Distort -> Spherize' technique in Photoshop. A targeted saturation to bring out the colour. I am quite keen to preserve the authenticity of my astrophotography and imaging targets during the processing stage, so I have tried to approach star reduction minimally. This image is fairly cropped in as I only have 250 mm of focal length to work with. I am finding the process of balancing authenticity and creating visually pleasing/interesting photo challenging! Obviously, being new to this hobby, any kind of constructive criticism would be welcome. Are there any glaring issues/mistakes? I am quite pleased with this image so far but am keen to know what others think and where I can improve. Cheers, Ted. |
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Very nice capture, but a bit timid in the post-processing. Using curves pin the black level with a point on the left side and pin the white level with a point on the right. Then adjust the center of the curve up or down to adjust the saturation of nebula. See: https://www.astrobin.com/okl0ku/ CS |
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Hi Ted. David is correct, your image is very good, it just needs a slightly bolder post process. This is your image after 3 very simple applications in PS. You might have a lens dust mote or something in the middle right portion of the image. CS, Scott  Ted's M45 |
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Thank you for the tips Scott and David, and for the reprocesses. Really interesting to see what you've both been able to do by being less cautious! I will definitely take the advice on board. Many thanks and clear skies! Ted. |
