Heart Nebula IC1805 OIII/Ha/SII

[x6gas]

I have really struggled processing this and I can't say that I am totally happy with the result.  I may well go back and start again, but this is as far as I can get with this processing run.

12 hours of data here 12 x 1200s subs for each channel.

Scope: Takahashi FSQ85EDX

Mount: CGEM DX

Camera: Atik 490ex

Guiding: Atik OAG, IMG0H, PHD

 

 

Thanks for looking.

 

Clear skies, Ian

[Epicycle]

This looks very good! What is exactly that you don't like about it?

E.

[x6gas]

This looks very good! What is exactly that you don't like about it?

E.

Thanks Epicycle.

I dunno - bit dominated by the stars, trouble with a purple background sky... there is a lot of [OIII] about but I couldn't get good colour in the nebula and sort the sky out.

I think the biggest problem is that I've been staring at it for too long!

[Epicycle]

I think the biggest problem is that I've been staring at it for too long!

Ah, yes, this is quite common and it takes a while to recover from visual indigestion!

[Twisted Lip]

Well from one Oxfordshire resident to another, I certainly think it looks great! Don't see it imaged that often either.

Will

[Martin-Devon]

Nothing wrong with this image ian - your OIII is certainly deeper than what I have, so your 12 hours of data trumps. The central Melotte 15 area is also very well defined - it's a nice piece of work!

Martin

[x6gas]

Thanks all - I know I'm a moanie old git, but I am getting pretty picky with my imaging now and for some reason this one just doesn't feel quite right...

I've been trying not to over process my images, but think I need to increase the contrast...

Anyway, tha is for the nice comments - keeps me motivated!

[x6gas]

"tha is" = thanks

[Quatermass]

Looks very nice take a break and come back to it sometimes you get googly eyes staring at your work for too long ;-)

[swag72]

I think that the detail in this looks good and most promising. the colours leave me wanting more if I'm honest. I don't mind muted colours, but these just need a little more 'umph' I think. Perhaps a little more contrast as you say and some selective lightening /  darkening to make some of the beautiful structures pop some more. I 'think' it looks a little flat, but I'm not sure if that's what I mean as I've looked at this for a while and tried to decided what I think about it, but have struggled to pinpoint what I'm seeing.

Gosh that's not very helpful really is it? Sorry .

[slickfonzy]

Looks very nice.  I wonder if making the black point a little darker in levels would add a bit more contrast?

[x6gas]

Looks very nice take a break and come back to it sometimes you get googly eyes staring at your work for too long ;-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Yes, I think you're right Quatermass...

I read something from Olly Penrice a while back saying that it takes time with a capture to work out what it responds to.  While I don't yet know enough exactly what to do, I do now understand exactly what he means!

I'll put this on the list to re-work later as I am happy enough that the underlying data is sound.

[x6gas]

I think that the detail in this looks good and most promising. the colours leave me wanting more if I'm honest. I don't mind muted colours, but these just need a little more 'umph' I think. Perhaps a little more contrast as you say and some selective lightening /  darkening to make some of the beautiful structures pop some more. I 'think' it looks a little flat, but I'm not sure if that's what I mean as I've looked at this for a while and tried to decided what I think about it, but have struggled to pinpoint what I'm seeing.

Gosh that's not very helpful really is it? Sorry .

Ha!  You've captured my thoughts exactly Sara - promising but not quite there...

It is a little flat, but I agree that it's very difficult to identify exactly what it is that isn't quite working.  I'm really glad that you posted this comment - I'm glad it's not just me that can't put my finger on it!

[x6gas]

Looks very nice.  I wonder if making the black point a little darker in levels would add a bit more contrast?

Thanks Ian.  The black point is tricky on this one.  I do tend to leave a lot of space on the black point end - and I quite like it that way - but moving the black point on this starts to hit the [OIII] signal.  Adjusting the contrast on the colour image doesn't quite do it either, so I think I need to boost the contrast of the luminance layer (that is a combine of all of the subs).

[slickfonzy]

Thanks Ian.  The black point is tricky on this one.  I do tend to leave a lot of space on the black point end - and I quite like it that way - but moving the black point on this starts to hit the [OIII] signal.  Adjusting the contrast on the colour image doesn't quite do it either, so I think I need to boost the contrast of the luminance layer (that is a combine of all of the subs).

Thanks for the insight, Ian.  My Photoshop skills are rather limited and I thoroughly enjoy learning from the more experienced folk on here!

[x6gas]

I've had another go at the colours on this one.

I think this is closer to my usual style and I *think* that I prefer this version...

[Mark72]

The last version looks great, may be a bit more contrast, nice result anyway.

Mark

[Sam]

I think the second one is even better than a pretty fantastic first image, well done!