A Little more Soul

[Jockinireland]

When I looked at yesterdays HOO Soul I decided I really did not like it very much. Too harsh, oversaturated, over sharpened.

So I went back and started from first principles using the Ha-Oiii colour algorithm from APP (instead of the separate extract Ha and extract Oiii) and tying to keep it a bit more toned down. I used starnet to remove the stars to allow better control and kept saturation down.

The result is softer, less contrasty and (at the moment anyway) I think it is better overall - maybe a little too soft.

Thoughts?

First rev for comparison

[messier 111]

very fine work you did, thx

[STEVE333]

Since you asked, I think a version about 1/2 way between might be the best. I downloaded your two images (both nice) and blended them 50/50 in Pixinsight using PixelMath. The result seems to have the best of both.

It is nice that you get to "play" with data once it is collected.

Steve

[MariusD69]

As Steve said, something in between. You have more nebulosity into the new version, but more details into the first one.

[Jockinireland]

Thanks @STEVE333 Steve, I really do appreciate the suggestions - its the best way to learn.

And that was a splendid suggestion. So from that we get rev 3 - the two previous blended 50/50 in PI

I think its better again.

[Greenman]

Jock that is a nice final shot (with Steve’s suggestion). Cool reprocessing.

[TheButcher]

Great Images! I like the last one you just did the best with Steve's advice.

[Juno16]

Really nice repro David! Actually, I kind of like the softer version better (just me).

Are you using PI for processing now?

Thanks!

[Jockinireland]

Hi Jim,

I'm really ambivalent about them, in some ways the softer one is more me but I also like the drama of the darker more saturated one.

Yes stacking in APP especially for the L-eNhance extraction algorithms, then PI then a couple of finishing touches in Photoshop.

[Juno16]

Hi Jim,

I'm really ambivalent about them, in some ways the softer one is more me but I also like the drama of the darker more saturated one.

Yes stacking in APP especially for the L-eNhance extraction algorithms, then PI then a couple of finishing touches in Photoshop.

I totally understand your feelings David.

After spending a night collecting data and going through several different processes, you appreciate different versions on “your data”. Its your baby, your time and effort. They all look good and are to be proud of!

[Astrovetteman]

PERFECT!!
Tom

[Thefatkitty]

Very nice David; all of them! I agree with you on the first two for the nebulosity and then the sharpness. Steve's idea was a nice touch as well.

Nice to see you're getting some clear skies, that's always good. The Sun must be setting really early for you now!

All the best and really nice work,

[Jockinireland]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for that. Hope you are doing well too.

Yes it's getting twilight when I leave the office just after 5 now and I can PA from about 5.45. Getting nearly 12 hours now. IF it stays clear that long. Kinda makes me embarrassed at the the bitching and moaning I did in June

Take care,

David