I'm looking for a PixInsight Instructor - Forums

Hello,

I am an inexperienced beginner and after learning PA, focusing with a mask, autoguiding, tracking and imaging, I got my first image of M33. It isn't very good because A) I hardly know what I am doing, B) I only got 20 subs during a nearly full moon and below average seeing, and c) I used the wrong filter (a narrowband) for a galaxy.

Nevertheless I am determined to learn this craft but I need help with PI. I can meet on Zoom, am willing to pay (only if I am impressed with your images, of course!) and am a fast learner and a serious student.

If anyone is willing to help me please respond!

Thanks!
Jerry

Hi.
The best option is to find yourself the way.

Look here on Pixinsight page on Resource.

https://pixinsight.com/resources/index.html

Clear sky.

Jerry, if you don't find someone to help out I recommend YouTube tutorials. You can literally following along with your own image in pixinsight while watching. Don't be discouraged about only capturing narrowband. As long as your exposures were long enough to get some signal to work with, you can play around and slowly learn pixinsight. Processing a narrowband image is not much, if any, different than processing images from a color camera or a broad band filter. Your image will be greyscale due to being just one channel. Also, I think you can find some calibrated images at pixinsight.com to download and practice on. Maybe someone else can chime in on that. Clear skies! Paul.

I recommend that you check out Adam Block Studios for a great series of skill development and explanatory videos. I also highly recommend Masters of PixInsight. The latter team offers an array of videos from beginners on up. These are great because they're structured in an appropriate order. If you randomly search YouTube you'll have no idea where you're starting.

Some years ago (before COVID!) I attended the Intermediate Astrophotography Course at Kitt Peak.

I think they still offer that, but online, so attending that may be an option. Not sure when the next one will be offered.

The instructor, Casey Good, who is on Astrobin, told us at the time that he also works individually with students, and I know he helped at least one person in a 1:1 setting. You can contact him via PM and ask about possible options.

Hi Jerry, I'm not a beginner, but have yet to take on PixInsight. So. I will be a beginner with that. It's hard to take on new software, even if it has advantages, when the ones I am familiar with still work ( Photoshop & MaximDL)

When I do start to learn PixInsight, I have concluded I will need to pay for Adam Block's tutorials. I was impressed with his titorial on Photoshop. Warren Keller also has tutorials out, I think. Personally, I found Warren difficult to follow. I would assume there are many free videos on PixInsight.

This Saturday there will be a special Astro Imaging program on the internet called "AstroPalooza".
https://astroworldweb.com/astropalooza/

It is kind of an all day event from 2 to 10 pm EST. Adam Block will be speaking along with Ron Blecker, Warren Keller & Peter Proulx presenting a program entitled "Masters of PixInsight".

I would suggest you try these internet tutorials before seeking paid individual help.

Lynn K.

Thanks everyone for taking time to respond. I'll check out some of the suggestions so far. Am I mistaken, or does PixInsight not come with a user manual?

Jerry

Jerry, I was in your exact position two years ago - The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction of late 2020 compelled me to break out my old Meade LX200 scope, then I flirted that winter trying to take images of M42 thru this 8" SC on an Alt-Az mount (unguided of course) and I had caught the AP bug. The hardware investment followed (the easy part) followed by the software investment, which is way more time than money. I've commented on this before, but I tried several image capture programs (eventually picking N.I.N.A., though I still use APT for planets and the moon, albeit with more difficulty). Also experimented with different stacking programs, used DSS then APP for a bit with all subsequent processing in Photoshop, but something was just not clicking or was missing. I knew PI was out there, but thought it was inconceivable, but after a very short trial period, I purchased the full version and haven't looked back. It is truly based in science and logic. I use it for everything from preprocessing to full image development, though still take images into Photoshop for a "final polish". LOTS of great free resources online to learn it, though I really didn't understand the logic or the flow or the process until I purchased and watched/rewatched Adam Block's series starting with Fastbreak then Fundamentals and now working my way through Horizons. It took a while, but I was able to process progressively more as time went on, and the learning never stops in part because PI keeps improving. I went back and watched some of the new Fastbreak and Fundamental videos today on SPCC and meteors! You can certainly make progress without this investment, but it was a substantive catalyst for me. Cheers! Rob

Jerry Gerber:
Hello,

I am an inexperienced beginner and after learning PA, focusing with a mask, autoguiding, tracking and imaging, I got my first image of M33. It isn't very good because A) I hardly know what I am doing, B) I only got 20 subs during a nearly full moon and below average seeing, and c) I used the wrong filter (a narrowband) for a galaxy.

Nevertheless I am determined to learn this craft but I need help with PI. I can meet on Zoom, am willing to pay (only if I am impressed with your images, of course!) and am a fast learner and a serious student.

If anyone is willing to help me please respond!

Thanks!
Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I agree with pretty much everyone above about tutorials on YouTube but I’m going to point you to one for “Absolute Beginners” by Mitch. It litterly is for absolute beginners in that it shows you how to create your process icons and setup your PI work environment. Its a 12 part series and I personally enjoyed it and it really helped me get started with PI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXJJqew6rQ

The next person I’d highly recommend is Adam Blocks “Fast Track” training. I is similar to the 12 part but Adam does explain things a bit more in depth. From there I’d go to “Fundamentals” which is very much more in depth and he does a great job of explaining the hows and whys of each process/script. Fast Track is $60 and Fundamentals is $180 but if you buy Fast Track you will get a $60 credit towards Fundamentals if you decide to pick that up. Thats what I did. I’d never have thought I’d pay for this kind of training but after working with Adams videos not to mention communicating with him as well I feel its well worth it! Here is the link if your interested. https://adamblockstudios.com/categories/PaymentPlans

Best of luck!

Dale

Dale Penkala:
Jerry Gerber:
Hello,

I am an inexperienced beginner and after learning PA, focusing with a mask, autoguiding, tracking and imaging, I got my first image of M33. It isn't very good because A) I hardly know what I am doing, B) I only got 20 subs during a nearly full moon and below average seeing, and c) I used the wrong filter (a narrowband) for a galaxy.

Nevertheless I am determined to learn this craft but I need help with PI. I can meet on Zoom, am willing to pay (only if I am impressed with your images, of course!) and am a fast learner and a serious student.

If anyone is willing to help me please respond!

Thanks!
Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I agree with pretty much everyone above about tutorials on YouTube but I’m going to point you to one for “Absolute Beginners” by Mitch. It litterly is for absolute beginners in that it shows you how to create your process icons and setup your PI work environment. Its a 12 part series and I personally enjoyed it and it really helped me get started with PI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXJJqew6rQ

The next person I’d highly recommend is Adam Blocks “Fast Track” training. I is similar to the 12 part but Adam does explain things a bit more in depth. From there I’d go to “Fundamentals” which is very much more in depth and he does a great job of explaining the hows and whys of each process/script. Fast Track is $60 and Fundamentals is $180 but if you buy Fast Track you will get a $60 credit towards Fundamentals if you decide to pick that up. Thats what I did. I’d never have thought I’d pay for this kind of training but after working with Adams videos not to mention communicating with him as well I feel its well worth it! Here is the link if your interested. https://adamblockstudios.com/categories/PaymentPlans

Best of luck!

Dale

Thanks Dale, I will watch the videos you recommend and I've decided to enroll in Adam Block's PI for Beginners course. I think that is just what I want.

Best,
Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com

Jerry Gerber:
Dale Penkala:
Jerry Gerber:
Hello,

I am an inexperienced beginner and after learning PA, focusing with a mask, autoguiding, tracking and imaging, I got my first image of M33. It isn't very good because A) I hardly know what I am doing, B) I only got 20 subs during a nearly full moon and below average seeing, and c) I used the wrong filter (a narrowband) for a galaxy.

Nevertheless I am determined to learn this craft but I need help with PI. I can meet on Zoom, am willing to pay (only if I am impressed with your images, of course!) and am a fast learner and a serious student.

If anyone is willing to help me please respond!

Thanks!
Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I agree with pretty much everyone above about tutorials on YouTube but I’m going to point you to one for “Absolute Beginners” by Mitch. It litterly is for absolute beginners in that it shows you how to create your process icons and setup your PI work environment. Its a 12 part series and I personally enjoyed it and it really helped me get started with PI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXJJqew6rQ

The next person I’d highly recommend is Adam Blocks “Fast Track” training. I is similar to the 12 part but Adam does explain things a bit more in depth. From there I’d go to “Fundamentals” which is very much more in depth and he does a great job of explaining the hows and whys of each process/script. Fast Track is $60 and Fundamentals is $180 but if you buy Fast Track you will get a $60 credit towards Fundamentals if you decide to pick that up. Thats what I did. I’d never have thought I’d pay for this kind of training but after working with Adams videos not to mention communicating with him as well I feel its well worth it! Here is the link if your interested. https://adamblockstudios.com/categories/PaymentPlans

Best of luck!

Dale

Thanks Dale, I will watch the videos you recommend and I've decided to enroll in Adam Block's PI for Beginners course. I think that is just what I want.

Best,
Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com

Great! I’d still watch the 12 video course by Mitch and follow up with Adams “Fast Track” and you’ll be on your way to learning it.

Dale

Jerry Gerber:
Dale Penkala:
Jerry Gerber:
Hello,

I am an inexperienced beginner and after learning PA, focusing with a mask, autoguiding, tracking and imaging, I got my first image of M33. It isn't very good because A) I hardly know what I am doing, B) I only got 20 subs during a nearly full moon and below average seeing, and c) I used the wrong filter (a narrowband) for a galaxy.

Nevertheless I am determined to learn this craft but I need help with PI. I can meet on Zoom, am willing to pay (only if I am impressed with your images, of course!) and am a fast learner and a serious student.

If anyone is willing to help me please respond!

Thanks!
Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I agree with pretty much everyone above about tutorials on YouTube but I’m going to point you to one for “Absolute Beginners” by Mitch. It litterly is for absolute beginners in that it shows you how to create your process icons and setup your PI work environment. Its a 12 part series and I personally enjoyed it and it really helped me get started with PI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXJJqew6rQ

The next person I’d highly recommend is Adam Blocks “Fast Track” training. I is similar to the 12 part but Adam does explain things a bit more in depth. From there I’d go to “Fundamentals” which is very much more in depth and he does a great job of explaining the hows and whys of each process/script. Fast Track is $60 and Fundamentals is $180 but if you buy Fast Track you will get a $60 credit towards Fundamentals if you decide to pick that up. Thats what I did. I’d never have thought I’d pay for this kind of training but after working with Adams videos not to mention communicating with him as well I feel its well worth it! Here is the link if your interested. https://adamblockstudios.com/categories/PaymentPlans

Best of luck!

Dale

Thanks Dale, I will watch the videos you recommend and I've decided to enroll in Adam Block's PI for Beginners course. I think that is just what I want.

Best,
Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com

The Adam Block tutorials are excellent. I've done the Fast Track and am now doing Fundamentals. Pretty hard to beat.

Pixinsight is a process oriented tool. One process, one step. Learn the processes, their order of use, and try to avoid the trap of scripts that keep you ignorant. The processes do make sense as you build your workflow.

Learn to build and maintain a calibration library - done in your garage. Master_darks Master_flats

Image Integration
Cosmetic Correction
Debayer (if osc)
Subframe selector
Star Alignment
Local Normalization
Image Integration
Dynamic Crop
DBE
Image Solver
EZ Denoise
SPCC
GHS
** from here it's a bit of art, but you have an image to work with. **

Cheers

Go straight to the source. The PixInsight YT channel has been putting out a lot of new training videos over the past 2 months.

PixInsight - YouTube

The Adam Block stuff is great, but as a real quick way to get started, I second the recommendation of ‘Mitch’s’ tutorials. Basic, very clear and easy to follow.

Cheers,
Scott

* Use WBPP in PixInaight to do the calibration, star alignment and stacking stuff. Do Calibration first and skip to the next step before doing alignment and stacking.
* Use subframe selector to choose your calibrated frames.
* Stack the chosen frames in WBPP
* Crop the masters using Dynamic Crop
* Do background Extraction (try both types)
* Try different colour calibration techniques to get your channels equalized
* Stretch until your stars look about right
* Extract the stars using StarNet or StarXterminator
* Stretch your nebula or galaxy until it looks right and then use PixelMath to add the stars back in.
* Maybe use Generalised Hyperbolic Stretch to bring out the detail you need.
* Use Curves stretch to get the colours as you would like them.
* Do some careful noise reduction

OK, just re-reading that I realise it looks quite scary. My main advice would be to master WBPP and the rest will follow.

My main advice is ignore all YTs, ABs and WBPP and stick to what Monty Chandler listed. To get the gist of it all buy/borrow a decent book of which there are a few. Read these tutorials to get started:
https://www.lightvortexastronomy.com/tutorials.html

The fastest way to learn I have seen is to hop on a video call with someone experienced.

There are some Discord servers with highly experienced people that often share their screens and show how to do things.

Thumbs up for Mitch, he got me started.
Great guy.
Tim

Thanks all for your generous advice and suggestions. It sure feels good to be a complete beginner at something this late in life (I am 71!).

I "finished" my very first astrophotograph today. I struggled my way through PixInsight using Mitch's video tutorials, the book The Deep Sky Imager by Charles Bracken and using Google to look up every question I had. Don't laugh everyone, (or laugh, that's OK!) but here is my first image. I only got 19 subs (had to discard one as Blink showed me the stars had trails) at 180 seconds each. I had planned on shooting 60 subs but the clouds rolled in and the nearly full-moon was creating a gradient.

I used an Esprit 100ED scope, the ZWO AM5 mount, the ZWO ASI2600MC camera and the Skywatcher 50mm guidescope. I got my guiding down to as low as .4" on the Dec axis and .6" on the RA axis. I also used a narrowband filter, when, for this target, I think a broadband might have been better. Bortle 7 skies in San Francisco...I obviously need to learn a lot about how to get color in the stars and in the galaxy better! I'd love to here critical comments as to how to improve my technique. I ran the Subframe Selector in PI and noticed that the FWHM numbers are rather high, all in the 4-6 range. Is that because of seeing conditions? Or because of something I'm not doing in pre- or post-processing? The star size and shapes look OK to me, but my eye needs more training. I have definitely decided to learn PI and not use any other applications for pre-processing. I will probably continue to use ACD Photo Studio Ultimate for touch-up work and final processing because it has everything Photoshop has but is faster and less expensive and best of all, no "subscription fees".

Jerry Gerber:
Thanks all for your generous advice and suggestions. It sure feels good to be a complete beginner at something this late in life (I am 71!).

I "finished" my very first astrophotograph today. I struggled my way through PixInsight using Mitch's video tutorials, the book The Deep Sky Imager by Charles Bracken and using Google to look up every question I had. Don't laugh everyone, (or laugh, that's OK!) but here is my first image. I only got 19 subs (had to discard one as Blink showed me the stars had trails) at 180 seconds each. I had planned on shooting 60 subs but the clouds rolled in and the nearly full-moon was creating a gradient.

I used an Esprit 100ED scope, the ZWO AM5 mount, the ZWO ASI2600MC camera and the Skywatcher 50mm guidescope. I got my guiding down to as low as .4" on the Dec axis and .6" on the RA axis. I also used a narrowband filter, when, for this target, I think a broadband might have been better. Bortle 7 skies in San Francisco...I obviously need to learn a lot about how to get color in the stars and in the galaxy better! I'd love to here critical comments as to how to improve my technique. I ran the Subframe Selector in PI and noticed that the FWHM numbers are rather high, all in the 4-6 range. Is that because of seeing conditions? Or because of something I'm not doing in pre- or post-processing? The star size and shapes look OK to me, but my eye needs more training. I have definitely decided to learn PI and not use any other applications for pre-processing. I will probably continue to use ACD Photo Studio Ultimate for touch-up work and final processing because it has everything Photoshop has but is faster and less expensive and best of all, no "subscription fees".

Congratulations Jerry! Job well done for your first image!
There are many things that can affect FWHM numbers and yes seeing conditions defiantly play a part along with focus, quality of optics etc.. Now that you have gotten an image in use it as a baseline for your next image/images and keep progressing 1 step at a time.

Enjoy the ride!

Dale

Jerry Gerber:
Thanks all for your generous advice and suggestions. It sure feels good to be a complete beginner at something this late in life (I am 71!).

I "finished" my very first astrophotograph today. I struggled my way through PixInsight using Mitch's video tutorials, the book The Deep Sky Imager by Charles Bracken and using Google to look up every question I had. Don't laugh everyone, (or laugh, that's OK!) but here is my first image. I only got 19 subs (had to discard one as Blink showed me the stars had trails) at 180 seconds each. I had planned on shooting 60 subs but the clouds rolled in and the nearly full-moon was creating a gradient.

I used an Esprit 100ED scope, the ZWO AM5 mount, the ZWO ASI2600MC camera and the Skywatcher 50mm guidescope. I got my guiding down to as low as .4" on the Dec axis and .6" on the RA axis. I also used a narrowband filter, when, for this target, I think a broadband might have been better. Bortle 7 skies in San Francisco...I obviously need to learn a lot about how to get color in the stars and in the galaxy better! I'd love to here critical comments as to how to improve my technique. I ran the Subframe Selector in PI and noticed that the FWHM numbers are rather high, all in the 4-6 range. Is that because of seeing conditions? Or because of something I'm not doing in pre- or post-processing? The star size and shapes look OK to me, but my eye needs more training. I have definitely decided to learn PI and not use any other applications for pre-processing. I will probably continue to use ACD Photo Studio Ultimate for touch-up work and final processing because it has everything Photoshop has but is faster and less expensive and best of all, no "subscription fees".

Nice work! Yes, for a galaxy it's usually better not to use a NB filter. If you have significant light pollution something broader like an Optolong L Pro should preserve better colours. Those are good guiding numbers! One thing about trails in your subs, you don't need to exclude those as WBPP will deal with the trails for you by pixel rejection (since they don't occur in the other subs)

Dear Jerry,

As many already provided many input, I want just to confirm that Adam Block video are really great way to learn in deep PI, the cost is really worth it!.

Of course a lot of YouTube video are also good to start with, which I also used , especially in the beginning. But if you want to go more in deep and learn additional details, then Adam Block instructional videos is the way to go.

I also reccomend the book of Chris Woodhouse for the basics. Of course PI is in an extremely fast way to evolve, so something more fast to get all the update is of course the internet way.

So I'm also a beginner so Im still learning everything from equipments, setup, "installationc etc..etc..

So enjoy this fantastic hobby and the great community that we can take advantage of..

CS and cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭

Timothy

Mitch's youtube series is good and free, and you'll have a great start with them. I got my start there and agree with those above who recommended him. Watch those videos multiple times and stop the video to pay attention to his icons & parameter value settings! There are other good Youtube video series out there too (VisibleDark series among them…just google). The lightvortexastronomy.com tutorials are also good resource material. I'd recommend starting with those free sources, and getting some basic skills practiced/mastered.

Once you get to a basic proficiency level, then you can decide if paid learning feels right to accelerate your skillset. For many of us, it was (and continues to be) practice, experimentation, and more practice. Best of luck in your learning. Sticking with it will pay big dividends. CS Doug