Five Beginner Astrophotography Processing Tips

[@Wgiarc1]

Learn PixInsight in small bite size pieces that you can understand the process. You can produce an image you would proudly show your friends in a suprisingly few steps, maybe 10 to 15. As you gain confidence and experience then dive deeper into this powerfull processing software. Enjoy the ride.

[@AstroEscape]

Excellent advice, Craig!

[@briankotak403]

Learn from all our Astro friends on KZbin! These videos are a great resource and many people have different approaches. All are valid and it’s good to have a multitude of ways to process an image. Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@AstroEscape]

Too true Dr. B! Everyone has their own little spin on how they process. Taking bits and pieces from all of us that want to help you, in turn does help you create an amazing picture 😀

[@danthomas9414]

Daylon always great tips you present to this hobby. Thanks

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you! I hope one of these helped you!

[@danthomas9414]

Also I would recommend to balance the RGB channels before applying multiple stretches. This will make processing easier. Kinda like tuning a guitar before you try to play?

[@AstroEscape]

That's a good thing to do too!

[@walterlewis1029]

It would be great if I could get some clear nights to be able to take imagines.

[@mikelockwood2104]

I second that comment

[@AstroEscape]

I agree. Actually, it's clear right now but the fires in Canada are hazing over the skies here in Pennsylvania. So, no setting up tonight :(

[@AstroEscape]

Third that comment haha.

[@stanbarton914]

Starnet++ can be fully integrated into Siril so that star removal, editing, and recombining is seamless and worry-free.

[@AstroEscape]

I haven't messed too much with Siril but I should. I didn't know that. Thanks, Stan!

[@rascaldere9327]

When you get Pixinsight do you buy the commercial license or is there an individual license?

[@rascaldere9327]

Also... is it a one time fee?

[@AstroEscape]

There's only the one license, and it's a one time fee!

[@rascaldere9327]

Thank you!@@AstroEscape

[@mikelockwood2104]

My workflow : Astro Pixel Processor / Import the stacked & partially edited file into Affinity Photo v2 / run StarXterminator as 1st step in Affinity / process the Stars and Deep Sky Object separately in Affinity / combine the Stars & DSO / run Topaz Tools for noise, clarity, sharpness, etc. / Final image Good video - you asked what would we recommend for beginners. The above steps in my opinion are much easier to learn than PixInsight and.....Affinity Photo is much more flexible and user friendly than PhotoShop In my opinion......

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks Mike. The question was even for people who have only been at it for a few months. Even they have a tip they could pass on! I started with Photoshop following what Trevor does, but once I got Pixinsight and saw how powerful it was I was hooked. I will need to take a look at APP, SiriL, and Affinity a bit more in the future. The bummer between things like Affinity and GIMP is that they have less plugins available than Photoshop and Pixinsight. But, some developers are starting to include them slowly.

[@hangerbird]

My skills with PS is what slows me down. Gathering data, not an issue... BUT processing.... UGH!

[@AstroEscape]

But the thing about it is you can always go back and re-process the stack later after you learn a bit. I get it though!

[@woody5109]

I image all summer, process all winter.

[@AstroEscape]

To an extent I agree. There's a lot of great objects to get during the winter! But the time inside being warm is a good time to process!

[@ct8618]

Sub-tip for your Bonus Tip: Have a beer on hand.

[@AstroEscape]

It is a must!