bobsguns wrote:
May I ask how much post processing work you put into it?
Stunning pic!
Sure! This was quite a lot of work. It started out as just the 40 raw images. I organized them to process each set in a different sequence. 1 set for the tracked sky shots, one for the reflection, and just the single image for the foreground. I first stacked the sky and reflection respectively. I then brought both stacked images into Pixinsight. From there, I applied noise reduction using masks, curve stretching, star reduction, sharpening, detail enhancements, and overall curve adjustments to the star layer. For the reflection, I just did noise reduction.
I exported both and then merged it with the foreground shot with masks in Photoshop. From there I made lots of luminosity masks and applied adjustments to my liking.
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dakel wrote:
Wow that beautiful image is an outstanding result for hours and hours of hard work. Well done.
Thanks friendo!
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Jeff wrote:
Also, is this an astro-modified sensor?
Thank you and yes! H-alpha modification on my Z6.
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Mark Metternich wrote:
Phenomenal image, technical skills and efforts here paid off! Beautiful image!!!
After saying that, I would hate to suggest anything, but if online presence is important, I do think the sky could easily be a tad sharper.
Thans for the feedback Mark! I think the soft sky has something to do with the JPEG compression for sure. The file size limit on FM coupled with the fact that I do not post full res on the web probably hit it hard. Take a look at the screenshot of the 1:1. It is way sharper although yes there is some room for improvement no doubt.
edit: ha i even had to compress that lol this is hard to show
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gunmetal wrote:
Daniel, thanks for sharing and especially the detailed description of capture and processing. As a guy who dabbles in Astro, I very much appreciate the difficulty and effort an image like this takes.
Thank you so much doggo, I am so thankful for your appreciation!
Wow, that is dedication carrying all that gear and staying up all night. I love shooting astro, but just bring one lens and tripod for my A7rII and set it to shoot all night to create a Timelapse, then choose some of the best to combine. Beautiful picture.
Wow! Just Wow! The result of your efforts is inspiring!! I am researching a tracker, so am happy to see the iOptron is a good choice. Thanks for sharing.
Feb 09, 2022 at 05:58 PM
Mark Metternich Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Thans for the feedback Mark! I think the soft sky has something to do with the JPEG compression for sure. The file size limit on FM coupled with the fact that I do not post full res on the web probably hit it hard. Take a look at the screenshot of the 1:1. It is way sharper although yes there is some room for improvement no doubt.
edit: ha i even had to compress that lol this is hard to show
I believe that with the right sharpening protocol, it could be perfect sharp w 0 noise at all! If you want me to make you a QUICK/FREE custom video tutorial, please [B]PM me.[/B] I would love to know how you sized and sharpened it for web, and see if there is anything I could help you with (free) to get it even better. THE IMAGE IS SO WORTH IT! No obligations. This is just what I do for a living, and when given the opportunity I LOVE showing people techniques that might take things to another level. Just to give back.
