MY second time shooting the Triangulum Galaxy. The main difference from the last time is that I used the Optolong L-Pro and  I have my Photoshops a bit built now. I’m no Photoshop astro magician or anything but I have definitely gotten better understanding of what I am doing and aiming for. I did go 120 gain and 120s exposure both times. I wonder if I should mess with a different gain next time.

On the processing the side I felt I was able to get a bit more detail of the galaxy. To be honest I don’t know if that is because of the filter or I just got better in Photoshop. I do know last time I played every Photoshop change very conservative. But like I said I’ve gotten better at processing but not great. I had to start over three times before I was satisfied with my results. My final result is of course displayed above. I’m happy with it but I think I can get better detail still.

Processing Steps in Photoshop:

• Color Balance
• Curve adjustments
• Gradient correction using GradientXTerminator
• Saturation Boost
• Vibrance Boost
• Noise Reduction using Astronomy tool – Space Noise Reduction action
• Noise Reduction using Astronomy tool – Deep Space Noise Reduction action
• Sharpening
• Curve adjustment in Camera Raw Filter
• Minimized stars in Photoshop, 2 rounds
• Minimized stars using Astronomy tool – Make Stars Smaller action
• Astronomy tool – Enhanced DSO and Reduce Stars action
• Astronomy tool – Less Crunchy More Fuzzy
• Smart Sharpen filter
• Luminosity overlay