| Is the learning curve in AP steep or flat? | |
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| Steep | |
| Flat | |
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Hi! I often read that the learning curve in astrophotography is steep. The same is often said about some of the tools, such as for example PixInsight. To me, this phrasing is very strange. If a learning curve indicates skill as a function of time (what else would it be?), my impression is that the curve in AP would be very flat, not at all steep. As for myself, it has taken me on the order of five years to reach a skill level that I feel is "acceptable", but I still feel like a beginner. If a learning curve would deserve to be called steep, that would mean that the skill would increase very rapidly with time. That certainly is not the case with me, but perhaps this is so only in my case..? What is your opinion, is the curve steep or flat..? Regards Ulf Granlund |
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| Steep, like a hill, meaning not easily overcome. Far more people of greatly differing abilities could walk a mile on flat ground, but far fewer could do it going up a very steep hill. That’s the analogy. For many, the steepness of the hill is itself an impediment to even getting started. And depending on how steep (like a sheer rock cliff) it can only be overcome using specialized equipment and significant prior training. Same is true for AP, lots of specialized equipment and we all seek training from forums like this, YouTube, books, and paid tutorials. So yes, I believe AP and PixInsight both have steep learning curves. |
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| I don't think it's meant so much as a function of time, but as a function of proficiency or results. Initially, the amount of learning it takes just to start yielding results is practically a vertical wall, but I do think it flattens out fairly quickly. Like you say, it can take years to achieve marginal improvements in results and raise your proficiency level once you get beyond the beginning stage. |
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| It's very steep because you have to learn so many things in parallel to even get to a comfortable level with it. That said, that is what makes it so much fun for most of us, particularly if you have a technical bias. |
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Nikkolai Davenport: Thanks, @Nikkolai Davenport So what you are saying is that a learning curve has something like "Results quality" on the horisontal axis and "Amount learning required" on the vertical..? That would make some sense. |
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I find this question really interesting, but difficult to answer, from my current position up the infinite hill. [On the basis that any form of learning is a lifelong process.] Looking down at my first year photos [from my lofty sophomore peak!] I think I have come a long way and that could lead me to think that path must have been really steep. But I recall taking them and not being too concerned about the next steps on the route or whether the path was steep. Just like mountain climbing, it's about one step at a time and enjoying the journey you are on. The path may look challenging on the way up, but you can always find a route. Moreover, as you climb not only do you enjoy where you are currently, but know that satisfaction will only increase as you progress. And the great thing about learning is that you don't have to worry about coming down again. Unlike my sexagenarian knees on mountains. For me, the curve is neither steep nor flat but just good fun. At least that what I tell all those who have have expressed an interest in my photos. After all, there are lots of things that they do, that I feel exactly the same way about; fishing, cabinet making, sculpture etc. etc. |
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It is a strange way of stating it. My thought is that there's an incredible amount to be learnt, just to get any kind of result and this is represented on the vertical axis as "amount learnt". On the other hand, we want to learn it all as quickly as possible and this is represented as "elapsed time", on the horizontal axis. So the x-axis is a wish, rather than a fact and that's what makes it "steep"! |
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| Hard to answer that. Some people do in a year what some people do in 10 years. It comes down to how much time you put into it and how much time you get under the sky and I'll be honest, how much money you can spend. Good equipment and dark sky goes a long way. |
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In general the term is used for situations where the amount of learning you have to do in the initial stages is great.I think this holds true. In the beginning there will be lots of new terms.Lots of pruchase options that seem daunting and confusing Software/equipment options and then subsequent learning of these. Acquisition skills and then there's the art image processing.. In terms of anmathematical function.. I personally wouldnt take it that literally but i guess ti would be a more exponetial curve that flattens out on the x axis  Over time.. plenty of time. |
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Bottom line: you'll never get bored with this hobby as there is always more to learn |
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Both. steep in first 2years, then going to flat. After 4, 5years You shoud know most of the popular technics of astroporscessing. All it depends on You. 1 or 3 maybe 5 hour training per day, week or month??? What do You prefer? |
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Wikipedia has a good little write up on this topic. Basically it says "learning curve" is a misnomer as it is commonly used. But their explanation is more nuanced. Joe |
