Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
I've had good success with enhancing my "final" image using the following technique in PixInsight:
1) Name the final image Orig (for original). Extract the Luminance from Orig and name it Orig_L.
2) Make a clone of Orig_L and apply it to Orig_L as a mask and invert it.
3) Run TGVDenoise on Orig_L with the settings shown below:
4) Remove the mask from Orig_L then apply MultiscaleLinearTransform to it with the settings shown below (this will sharpen image):
5) Apply LocalHistogramEqualization to Orig_L with the settings shown below (this will increase contrast of small details):
6) Again apply LocalHistogramEqualization to Orig_L but with the new settings shown below (this enhances contrast of larger structures):
7) Make a clone of Orig and name it LRGB.
8) Open a Preview window on LRGB over a region showing the noise in the image.
9) Open the Convolution process and select the Parametric tab. Increase the StdDev setting until the noise in the Preview window is no longer visible. Usually a value of between 2 and 4 will be adequate. Apply Convolution to LRGB.
10) Use CurvesTransformation with the Saturation selected and mildly increase the color saturation of LRGB.
11) Open the LRGBCombination process. Leave L checked, but, uncheck R, G and B. Make sure Orig_L has been selected for L. Apply the process to the LRGB image.
You will see a sharpened and enhanced version compared to Orig.
Below is a comparison of my Original image of the Elephant's Trunk Nebula followed by an enhanced version produced using this technique.
ORIGINAL
ENHANCED
Hope you find this useful. It isn't as complicated as it looks. It takes less than 10 minutes to enhance an image.
Cheers,
Steve
1) Name the final image Orig (for original). Extract the Luminance from Orig and name it Orig_L.
2) Make a clone of Orig_L and apply it to Orig_L as a mask and invert it.
3) Run TGVDenoise on Orig_L with the settings shown below:
4) Remove the mask from Orig_L then apply MultiscaleLinearTransform to it with the settings shown below (this will sharpen image):
5) Apply LocalHistogramEqualization to Orig_L with the settings shown below (this will increase contrast of small details):
6) Again apply LocalHistogramEqualization to Orig_L but with the new settings shown below (this enhances contrast of larger structures):
7) Make a clone of Orig and name it LRGB.
8) Open a Preview window on LRGB over a region showing the noise in the image.
9) Open the Convolution process and select the Parametric tab. Increase the StdDev setting until the noise in the Preview window is no longer visible. Usually a value of between 2 and 4 will be adequate. Apply Convolution to LRGB.
10) Use CurvesTransformation with the Saturation selected and mildly increase the color saturation of LRGB.
11) Open the LRGBCombination process. Leave L checked, but, uncheck R, G and B. Make sure Orig_L has been selected for L. Apply the process to the LRGB image.
You will see a sharpened and enhanced version compared to Orig.
Below is a comparison of my Original image of the Elephant's Trunk Nebula followed by an enhanced version produced using this technique.
ORIGINAL
ENHANCED
Hope you find this useful. It isn't as complicated as it looks. It takes less than 10 minutes to enhance an image.
Cheers,
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- Graeme1858
- Co-Administrator
- Articles: 1
- Posts: 7383
- Joined: Mon Jun 24, 2019 7:16 pm
- 4
- Location: North Kent, UK
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
I Broke The Forum.
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Excellent PI tutorial there Steve!
The enhancement shows really well.
Regards
Graeme
The enhancement shows really well.
Regards
Graeme
______________________________________________
Celestron 9.25 f10 SCT, f6.3FR, CGX mount.
ASI1600MM Pro, ASI294MC Pro, ASI224MC
ZWO EFW, ZWO OAG, ASI220MM Mini.
APM 11x70 ED APO Binoculars.
https://www.averywayobservatory.co.uk/
Celestron 9.25 f10 SCT, f6.3FR, CGX mount.
ASI1600MM Pro, ASI294MC Pro, ASI224MC
ZWO EFW, ZWO OAG, ASI220MM Mini.
APM 11x70 ED APO Binoculars.
https://www.averywayobservatory.co.uk/
- yobbo89
- Moderator
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 2588
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:44 pm
- 4
- Location: australia qld brisbane
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
good one steve, i have your og tutorial of the LocalHistogramEqualization saved, i use it every time and it gives me that final colur boost and clarity
scopes :gso/bintel f4 12"truss tube, bresser messier ar127s /skywatcher 10'' dob,meade 12'' f10 lx200 sct
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
- Juno16
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 8210
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 3:13 pm
- 4
- Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Much appreciated Steve!
I really don't understand how all of this works, but using the processes per your outline showed me quite a bit.
This was my first time using MultiscaleLinearTransform, LocalHistogramEqualization, and Convolution.
Following the steps that you described was an excellent lesson using these processes inPI ! Thank you very much!
Here is how your steps added "pop" to my recent M106 image.
Original
Original With Steve's Process
A nice improvement. Hard to tell posted here, but the difference is significant when viewed inPI .
Thanks Steve!
I really don't understand how all of this works, but using the processes per your outline showed me quite a bit.
This was my first time using MultiscaleLinearTransform, LocalHistogramEqualization, and Convolution.
Following the steps that you described was an excellent lesson using these processes in
Here is how your steps added "pop" to my recent M106 image.
Original
Original With Steve's Process
A nice improvement. Hard to tell posted here, but the difference is significant when viewed in
Thanks Steve!
Jim
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
- yobbo89
- Moderator
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 2588
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:44 pm
- 4
- Location: australia qld brisbane
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Juno16 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 02, 2021 3:52 pm Much appreciated Steve!
I really don't understand how all of this works, but using the processes per your outline shows me. This was my first time using MultiscaleLinearTransform, LocalHistogramEqualization, and Convolution.
Following the steps that you described was an excellent lesson using these processes in PI! Thank you very much!
Here is how your steps added "pop" to my recent M106 image.
Original
Original With Steve's Process
A nice improvement. Hard to tell posted here, but the difference is significant when viewed in PI.
Thanks Steve!
i can see the difference, i nice contrast and colour boost.
scopes :gso/bintel f4 12"truss tube, bresser messier ar127s /skywatcher 10'' dob,meade 12'' f10 lx200 sct
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Thanks for the nice comments, and, I'm glad it's proving useful for you.
A couple additional things that can help:
If the original steps don't provide enough "pop" you can add a slight S-curve boost to Orig_L after step (6). Something like what is shown below can make a significant difference in the final LRGB result.
After all the enhancements are done the stars will usually be bigger and brighter. They can easily be returned to their original size and brightness as follows:
a) Make a StarMask of LRGB with the settings shown below. You may have to adjust Noise threshold for your image.
b) Apply the star_mask to LRGB.
c) Open PixelMath with settings as shown below and drag the triangle in the lower left corner onto LRGB.
This will replace the stars in LRGB with the stars from Orig. If the replacement doesn't fully restore the stars to their original brightness, try a slight HistogramTransformation boost of the StarMask.
Hope this helps.
Steve
A couple additional things that can help:
If the original steps don't provide enough "pop" you can add a slight S-curve boost to Orig_L after step (6). Something like what is shown below can make a significant difference in the final LRGB result.
After all the enhancements are done the stars will usually be bigger and brighter. They can easily be returned to their original size and brightness as follows:
a) Make a StarMask of LRGB with the settings shown below. You may have to adjust Noise threshold for your image.
b) Apply the star_mask to LRGB.
c) Open PixelMath with settings as shown below and drag the triangle in the lower left corner onto LRGB.
This will replace the stars in LRGB with the stars from Orig. If the replacement doesn't fully restore the stars to their original brightness, try a slight HistogramTransformation boost of the StarMask.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Jim - Here's the result for your galaxy if I use the S-curve and then replace the stars.
I'm sure it would look better using your final image.
Steve
I'm sure it would look better using your final image.
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- Juno16
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 8210
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 3:13 pm
- 4
- Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Thanks Steve. I recorded your process including the contrast boost curve and the star replacement.
I might get a partial night out tonight and if it does happen, I will employ the latest steps on M106. Yes, the final image looks much better!
Thanks again!
Jim
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
You're welcome Jim. Glad it's helping.
Good luck tonight!
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- jmfloater
- Mars Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 157
- Joined: Fri May 24, 2019 2:05 am
- 4
- Location: Florida
- Status:
Offline
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Thanks for sharing this work flow Steve, I need all the help I can get.
John
Imaging scope Stellavue SV80S on a Losmandy G11 mount. Roll off roof observatory.
Software: PixInsight, SGPro, Phd2.
Imaging scope Stellavue SV80S on a Losmandy G11 mount. Roll off roof observatory.
Software: PixInsight, SGPro, Phd2.
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Adding "Pop" to Finished Images Using PI
Hope it works for you. So much of what I do in processing is what I've learned from others.
Cheers
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Create an account or sign in to join the discussion
You need to be a member in order to post a reply
Create an account
Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute