1st M42 - all help gratefully received

[dc509]

Hi

First real outing for my new Atik383L+, on my C925 at F6.3. Filters have not arrived yet, neither has the wheel, nor a bunch of things I need to autoguide, so this is B&W, filterless and unguided. Used DSS and PS to fiddle with levels but without any real method - just tried to bring out the gas more. DSS told me it only used 3 of the 20 30s subs I took - not sure why.

I've read a bunch about processing but applying it is another matter - is there anything I should be trying to improve this image or is it at it's limits? And how can you tell? I was told it was a steep learning curve, but nothing really prepares you!

d