post process of andromeda

[Tylerbo]

ok imaging is not easy I give you guys a standing ovation that can pull off outstanding images because I just don't understand post process at all or even were to begin

[Ozypic]

Well I found you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear. after trying to play with Gymp and photoshop I thought I would never achieve anything till I tried looking at someone else's data that was on the net for novices to try their hand at. If you get good data , a tweek here and a stretch there and a picture magically appears Hahaha , I know that these people put a big effort to produce their great images but if you don't have a great image hiding in there to start with its just not going to pop out...... Well anyway I found that was and forever will be my problem.... but if you have a great pic hiding in there , perhaps YouTube is the answer

[kingclinton]

A lot will depend on the software you choose to use.
The basic principles remain the same.
The top three contenders are Pixinsight, Startools or Photoshop.
You need to start "stretching" the image, sounds strange but it's true.
There is a huge learning curve at first but once you get over that it's not to bad.

[Mag95On]

There are several ways to approach post processing.
If you have working knowledge of your astro-processing software, and good understanding of image fundamentals and processing, you can either:
1) follow a recipe which has been followed successfully by good imagers
2) Use your knowledge and process it based on principles.
3) ask someone who is better at processing. I read a book - 1 person took the images with his astro gear and camera, the post processor did all the computer work, and did it like that!!

Its not easy. You need a good foundation from the ground up. Like building a skyscraper. You need solid foundation and knowledge first. Don't go and spend billions on telescopes until you are sure.

[Hillrat]

A lot will depend on the software you choose to use.
The basic principles remain the same.
The top three contenders are Pixinsight, Startools or Photoshop.
You need to start "stretching" the image, sounds strange but it's true.
There is a huge learning curve at first but once you get over that it's not to bad.

RegiStax should be mentioned, as well a a program to get your data to a file type your post-processing program will accept.

[Pauls72]

Add DSS (Deep Sky Stacker) to your list too.

It starts with taking lights and darks at the same settings, length and temperature.
Don't worry about flats and bias until later. You can make reasonable images without them.
Then stack them.
If OSC then debayer/demoasic them.
From here on which steps you take next is kind of an individual preference.
You are going to align the colors, crop, stretch, apply curves, increase saturation, change contrast, sharpen, denoise and other things.

[kingclinton]

RegiStax should be mentioned, as well a a program to get your data to a file type your post-processing program will accept.

Yes, if doing lunar, solar or planetary then programs like registax or even autostakkert will be your best friends.
For DSO, DSS is your best friend and it will output files in the correct format for most software to accept.
Thanks for the reminder.