First Sun 14/01/12

[Tzetze]

This is my first hack at producing a solar image. It's a stack of 67 images taken with SW ed80, baader solar film, canon 450D. I don't yet have a #58 filter so used a #56 from my celestron eyepiece kit. (Although, it seems a continuum + IR blocker is a better option?) Processing was done in Registax 5.1 and Photoshop CS5.

This was the first attempt at processing and I can see that it needs reworking. The sunspots appear 'clipped' (not sure if that's the correct term here). Nevertheless, I'm quite proud of it and look forward to improving.

[SaraG]

Probably a little too much on processing

[Tzetze]

Agreed, a reworking to follow.

[Bizibilder]

That's an exellent first attempt. You have good focus and the spots and surface granulation is there. I think you have overdone the contrast/curves as you have lost quite a bit of limb detail but that data will still be on your originals so can be recovered easily. You have to be pretty subtle with PS!

[Tzetze]

Thanks for the criticism. Subtlety will be the priority in the next reworking.

[Stargazer Jack]

Very good first sun. If you sorted the edges out, it would be an excellent image!

[Tzetze]

After a few more processing attempts I'm happier with where this image is heading. I'm embarrassed by the first attempt posted above, but I'll resist the temptation to delete it so as to highlight the progression.

I think I was too eager to bring out granulation detail at the cost of the overall effect. Granulation is much less detailed in this reworking but perhaps that will only come out when using the correct filters?

[Stargazer Jack]

There might not be as much granulation however it is a lot more sharper around the edges, well done.

[Zul]

Very nice congrats!

[Bizibilder]

That is a much better rendition! With a bit of practice (and good seeing to get a decently detailed image in the first place!!) you will soon be able to get the granulation showing. Maybe try a little more unsharp mask when using Photoshop.

PS I don't mean your image is poor! Just that processing is easier when the original image is better - if you see what I mean ???

[markt]

Exactly what Biz says

[Tzetze]

Cheers guys. Your input is very much appreciated.

[Mr Q]

I like both. In the first image, the granulation appears as the subject of the photo, augmented by the sunspots. The second one is nice also with the sunspots the subject. Both are nice images:icon_salut:

[Montana]

With solar 'less is more' I much prefer the second image which is top class by the way! Over processing will always give strange white and black halos round solar features.

Regards

Alexandra

[Cschur]

Yeah, the second shot is superior on all accounts. While a green W58 will really bring up the granulation contrast, you probably wont need an IR blocker, since the 450D has one allready over its chip.

[Tzetze]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I agree and prefer the second attempt. It's frustrating not to have been able to get some more solar shots since - hopefully that will change sooner rather than later.

I'm planning go the extra few quid and pick up a baader continuum filter rather than a #58 in the next week or two. I'll hold off on the IR blocker for the very reason you outlined Cschur.

[sheri_barri]

The second processing attempt is right on the mark. Well done!