[RCC] The Cocoon Nebula: your opinion needed

I would never have done it that manner (i.e., NB only), it's missing most of the reflection/broadband emissions along the way. And framing isn't particularly catching either.

I like it ! Depth is great and framing is nice.
I'm not sure if you're able to grab some RGB data but both the added broadband aspect and new RGB stars could really make this shot outstanding ! Oh, and maybe tone down the purple a bit ?

Otherwise it's nice !

Pete

I like it ! Depth is great and framing is nice.
I'm not sure if you're able to grab some RGB data but both the added broadband aspect and new RGB stars could really make this shot outstanding !

Hi AstroRBA!

Your words are very apreciated. In fact, the stars are RGB, but they seem to be washed out, specially the blue ones. Maybe the L and RGB combination process? I'll take a look at it. And all the image is from LRGB data. The only NB signal is that one from the background. I've tried to remove all the Ha signal from the R channel and then insert the Ha image directly in the LRGB one (some reverse substraction, I think). I'll try to make a "traditional" continuum substraction instead, and see what happens.

Thanks a lot!

CS

Jordi

andrea tasselli:
I would never have done it that manner (i.e., NB only), it's missing most of the reflection/broadband emissions along the way. And framing isn't particularly catching either.

Hi Andrea,

Thank you for your answer. When you talk about NB only do you refer to the Ha background? Do you think that mixing the Ha with some BB signal would be better?

Thanks!

Jordi

Jordi:

Die Launische Diva:
I will only say that the framing is odd. I can't comment on anything else as it is a narrow band image for which I don't have any experience.

Thanks for your apreciation. In fact, the image is an LRGB image. The only NB signal is from the background.

Thank you and CS,

Jordi

Hi Jordi,
I think some of the confusion is caused by the fact that you only list NB filters as being used on your technical page.
It might be helpful to know the correct imaging data. I can tell you that, in my opinion, it looks like you have captured some great data, but the Ha background overwhelms the BB data, especially of the fainter tail region.
   Steve

Hi folks, thank you very much for all your thoughts. First of all, apologies for the lack of technical information about how the image was taken (filters, etc.). Indeed, I haven’t provided any details about that yet because I wasn’t sure if this was a final image or not. Basically, what I’m looking for is an aesthetic opinion. Do you like the image? And how can it be aesthetically improved?

In summary, it seems that the general opinion is that the hydrogen sea diminishes the nebula. I’ve also had that impression, which is why I wanted another opinion on it. I’ll see if I can enhance the nebula, as I’m interested in keeping the hydrogen signal as it is, as much as possible.

Please, if you notice any other aspect that could be improved, apart from the framing, which I cannot modify for obvious reasons, let me know. I’m thinking about aspects like saturation, color, NR, star-related details, etc.

I’m learning, and I need to know what I can improve on. I don’t have anyone else apart from this community who can give me informed feedback.

CS

Jordi

Tony Gondola:
Overall I think there's too much going on in this image from a photographic point of view. It's hard to know what the subject actually is so to my mind, a more dynamic framing of the main subject would help, you've got the resolution to spare. I also feel that the color of the Ha is a bit over-baked. I know this is the trend these days but making the Ha a little less in your face would help to highlight the main subject as mentioned above.

Thank you very much for your words. Indeed, it seems that the Ha is overpowering the nebula. I’ll try to reduce the Ha a bit and give more prominence to the dust. Let's see if I can focus the viewer's attention on the nebula. Do you think there’s any way to change the geometry of the image to make it more visually appealing?

Thanks a lot,

Jordi

I like the framing.  The dark stuff to the left of the nebula has always intrigued me and can add a sense of motion to the image.  I did a similar framing when I shot it not long ago.   I also like the presentation of the cocoon itself as you've capture it.  Two notes i would have:
1)  Looks like you've increased the saturation of the stars.  That's good, but maybe you pushed the red a little too much as it seems to have increased some of the red halos around some of the redder stars.
2)  I like the Ha background, but I think if it were toned down a bit, it would make the dark dust pop a little more. 
Overall, I like it.

Tony Gondola:
I would do something like this:

Tony, I like your idea. It's a different point of view. And yes, more dynamic. I'll give it a try! If I can give a push to the brown dust, along with a vertical point of view, I think it will make a big difference

Thanks a lot!,

CS

Jordi

Who says the pics of deep space objects have to all the same. it's definitely different from the other pics of the coccon nebula I'VE seen. it's definitely more than the regular pic of the cocoon so I think it depends if you like wider angle pics like yours or not. There's nothing wrong with it I think it depends on your perspective. It is one of the more unique pics of the cocoon that I have seen.

Richard Carande:
I like the framing.  The dark stuff to the left of the nebula has always intrigued me and can add a sense of motion to the image.  I did a similar framing when I shot it not long ago.   I also like the presentation of the cocoon itself as you've capture it.  Two notes i would have:
1)  Looks like you've increased the saturation of the stars.  That's good, but maybe you pushed the red a little too much as it seems to have increased some of the red halos around some of the redder stars.
2)  I like the Ha background, but I think if it were toned down a bit, it would make the dark dust pop a little more. 
Overall, I like it.

Hi Richard,

Yes, you're right with both statements. I'll tone down the Ha signal for shure. And some stars have strong red halo due to the star reduction process. I will work on a solution: maybe reducing the red channel saturation? Maybe extracting the red channel and make the stars of this channel smaller? Do you know some technique that should work?

Thanks a lot!

Jordi

Oscar:
seems okay to me, maybe change the framing to what Tony showed, or that, but flipped upside down, to maybe make the cocoon look like it's "falling", leaving a trail of dust

I think, also reduce the punchiness of the stars, make them smaller or reduce the stretch a little

everything else is good

Hi Oscar,

Both are very good ideas, I'll work around them. Thank you very much :-)

CS

Jordi