[RCC] On my latest mono images and processing. - Forums

Topic starter

Oct 27, 2022 · Edited: Oct 27, 2022

Hello,

I recently moved to mono and upgraded my scope to try take my images to the next level. One day, like most everyone here, I would like to be good enough to earn some Top Pick Nominations or better. I have always found a constructive critique as the best way to improve so I don't take anything personally. Here are a few recent images I uploaded. To be forward could these images be improved enough to be considered for Top Pick Nominations?

New Primary Scope Esprit 150ED (1050mm F7)
   https://www.astrobin.com/vtkgms/
   https://www.astrobin.com/q2b4pb/ (I am working on a H(SO)O version of this as the basic SHO didn't highlight the SII and I think it looks better with Red Ha)

EdgeHD 11" (1980mm F7)
   https://www.astrobin.com/i2g7sm/
   https://www.astrobin.com/qs091p/

I feel my data is pretty good so I think I am lacking in processing, especially being so new to mono processing. Most of what I do is in Pixinsight with cleanup in Photoshop. Here is the basic workflow I follow but there are other steps in between based on the individual image.

Pixinsight (WBPP, SubframeSelector, ImageIntegration)

Pixinsight (DCrop, DBE, Decon, Denoise, GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch, LRGBCombination/Pixmath, BGNeutralization, Hue/ColorCalibration/PhotometricCC, SCNR, StarXTerminator, ArcsignhStretch, Curves/Saturation/Hue)

Photoshop (APF-R, AstroFlat Pro, Camera Raw, Image Color/Levels/Brightness/Vibrance/Saturation)

I am in a Bortle 7/8 area and my rig is setup on a ScopeBuggy so I can move it in and out due to the climate here in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thank you for your time and help. It is very appreciated.

Helpful Respectful Engaging

James Hawks

Topic starter

Nov 5, 2022 · Edited: Nov 5, 2022

Just adding my latest image incase anyone answers. I did finally get my first TPN but it was right after I posted this RCC so I hope someone didn't take pity on me

.

https://www.astrobin.com/9ddda2/

Edit: To clarify my original post. I was not asking how to be selected but to be good enough for consideration, even if I am not selected. My intent was to elicit feedback such as "Your images could use ..." or "You seem to be missing/lacking..." etc...

wsg

Nov 5, 2022 · Edited: Nov 5, 2022

Hi James congratulations on your first TPN and also for being a member on Astrobin since 2016. I'm not here to CC your transition to mono imaging but I can offer you some insight into the Astrobin awards system.

Top pick nominations are submitted by 2 or more "submitters" who have randomly chosen the same image and passed it on to "presenters" for consideration for Image Of The Day to Judges.

The reality is that there are currently 20 thousand active members on Astrobin at any given time and that the awards system is a blind system wherein images are picked based on a number of qualifying standards, but picked blindly, which means your old images as well as your new mono images are in the same competitive pool as these types of images:

    Images from the clearest, darkest sky's on earth...
    Images captured with professional grade equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars...
    Images not captured by the member but bought as a data set online sold by a hosting sight...
Professional grade images like Hubble or JWST images downloaded and processed by anyone who is a member...
    Landscape images by professional landscape photographers from beautiful exotic sites from every corner of the world...

So maybe you can see how difficult it really is for someone with a DSLR on a tripod or a member with a small telescope and inexpensive mount, or even someone with good gear in an inhospitable climate to win any kind of award at all here on Astrobin.

The real point of course is to be content with one's own development as an Astro Photographer as you already seem to be. Seeking CC is a reasonable endeavor when you have specific goals in mind.

I hope this helps.

scott

https://welcome.astrobin.com/features/large-astrophotography-community

https://welcome.astrobin.com/faq#top-pick-selection

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Aygen

Nov 5, 2022 · Edited: Nov 5, 2022

@wsg did a great summary - I am not going to comment any further on that.

However, I do understand where you are coming from. It's always super motivating to get a "recognition" by peers. At the same time, if I may, why are you shooting stars, nebulas, etc. ? As most of the people around, I am sure because of passion ! And that's the most important things from my perspective > because you like what you are doing.

Regardless of any "awards", dont forget it. As long as you are happy with your rendering, it's "mission accomplished" ! BTW, I went through you gallery, greats pictures, and some of them, definitely deserve a topic pics, etc. !!!!!

Very best regards,
Aygen

James Hawks

Topic starter

Nov 5, 2022 · Edited: Nov 5, 2022

@wsg thank you for your reply. I just wanted to clarify I was not asking how to win an award but how can my images be improved to be good enough even if they are not selected. Is there some critique that would guide me in the direction of improvement. I completely understand my limitations in a Bortle 7 sky but it has always been critiques of my images that pushed/guided me to be better. I am not sure I can dramatically improve my gear anymore that would make my images improve leaps and bounds so I am left with data gathering and processing.

For example many of my first images had a bad chromatic abrasion. It was until someone commented about it that I even noticed the issue. I took the time to research how to improve my processing to eliminate it. Another thing I was doing in my earlier work was clipping my images too much. Again it was a helpful comment that guided me to do better. It was another comment that guided me to improving my exposure times using the SharpCap sensor analysis.

I really don't mind someone being harsh or critical as I look at it all as a way to improve.

Respectfully,
James

Respectful Supportive

Aygen

Nov 5, 2022

James Hawks:
Just adding my latest image incase anyone answers. I did finally get my first TPN but it was right after I posted this RCC so I hope someone didn't take pity on me .

https://www.astrobin.com/9ddda2/

From a technical perspective, that's a very good image ! Round stars all over, very well color managed, no "too much noise killing", etc. I very much like it. Would I get to the same point, probably not because then is our personal taste that is taking over. But all in all, I like it.

James Hawks

Topic starter

Nov 5, 2022

@Aygen thank you for your reply and your kind words about my gallery. I am extremely happy with what I produce but I strive to be better. I am going to correct my first post as my intention was not to ask how to win an award but how I could be good enough even if I am not selected. I actually love it when people point out issues I can't see or glossed over. My original intent was to get feedback on my data gathering, processing, and final results.

In another group someone told me about GHS in PixInsight a few weeks ago and that thing is amazing. It made processing M42 a breeze compared to past attempts. So tip and tricks are always welcome to.

Respectfully,
James

Respectful

Aygen

Nov 5, 2022

Yeah, GHS in Pixinsight looks really interesting even though I am still not really benefiting from it - but will most probably in the future.

Keep doing, you are already a Master !