IC 1396 - 2021 version

[starfield]

I've been revisiting the Elephant Trunk after a failed attempt last year. Here's what I've got after collecting 50 5 minute subs in SII, HA, and OIII. This has been a fun one to process as their as you seem to be able to take the colors in a number of different directions. I'm starting to settle in on a palette light on the green side. I''m trying to get the trunk to pop and call out the new stars in the tip of the trunk . I decided on a square composition and have 2 different looks. Curious what you all think? Here you go:

Images were processed in PI with final finish and tone adjustments in Photoshop.

[Juno16]

Beautiful image(s)!

Both are really nice and very sharp. I personally like #1.

Nice work!

[Ylem]

Wow, both are stunning, at first I like the first one more, but after some time, I found I like the 2nd a bit better.

[MariusD69]

Wonderful images! Great job! I like more #2.

[Graeme1858]

They're both good versions. Second one has the edge for me.

Regards

Graeme

[Butterfly Maiden]

Both great images but I prefer the second one.

To me there seems more definition and contrast in all the elements present.

[notFritzArgelander]

It's hard to choose. Very hard. But I give a slight preference to the second.

[BABOafrica]

Excellent images. I really can't say which one I like best.

The detail is so good in both of them.

BABO

[bobharmony]

That is some very nice data! They are both worthy compositions. My favorite at the moment is the first image. Based mostly on the color balance being less toward the reddish side of things.

Bob

[messier 111]

very nice image , thx .

[Jockinireland]

Great images. My preference would be for #1 but I'd struggle to say why. But tomorrow I could well feel #2 has the edge! they are both great.

[Gordon]

Congratulations Steve on having your image selected as todays TSS APOD!

app.php/article/8-11-2021-tss-astrophot ... of-the-day

[Makuser]

Hi Steve. A superb pair of IC 1396 (Elephant Trunk) images in SHO NB light. It is fun to select the assigned color channels and come up with a little different version. Upon first view, I liked #1 best, but after scrolling back and forth, I am with the majority now on #2. Thanks for sharing these captures with us Steve, and congratulations on receiving the TSS APOD Award today.

[Juno16]

Congratulations Steve!

[starfield]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.. Seems live V2 is the winner.

[jthommes]

Beautiful images Steve! Like most others, I like the second version best. Congrats on the APOD.