Rho Ophiuchus in color

After much debating and many iterations, I believe I have finalized a color presentation of the Rho Ophiuchus and Antares Nebulae. The area has proven to be quite difficult for me to understand and to translate in digital form. I think I am like others and want the Milky Way to be presented with a fairly even sky background. Many years ago while imaging with medium format film I made the declaration that "the Milky Way sky is not black." Well, I was violating my own conclusions by trying to force a neutral black background on this area of sky. The area is quite dusty and has many gradations of color and light across the field. So, after many hours of digital work I think I finally have a presentation that is both artistically pleasing and relatively accurate in its depiction of the beautiful area. I hope you enjoy the image.

Rho Ophiuchus and Antares Nebulae

IC1396 from Almost Heaven Star Party

This object eluded me in the film days, but it just jumps out with the DSLR and a fast lens. The night was lovely for this capture and I hope you enjoy the image. IC1396 is an emission nebula in the constellation Cepheus.

IC1396 webpage

Northern Cygnus Test Image

I continue to experiment with the modified Canon 350D. This test is with the old Lumicon Hydrogen Alpha photographic filter from the TechPan days of film. I wanted to see if I could image from my backyard with this filter and come up with anything useful. Conditions were horrible on this night with temps in the 70's, humidity in the 90's, and a waxing moon. I am happy with the results and will continue my testing. The ideal scenario is for a much more narrow band hydrogen alpha filter, but at this time none are available for inside the camera body of the Canon.

Northern Cygnus Test Image

AHSP presentation now available for download

I have now posted my presentation on DSLR Cameras and Lenses for Astrophotography for download in PDF format. You may access the slide presentation at the link below.

"DSLR Camera and Lenses for Astrophotography"

Veil Nebula Wide Field with Canon 350D

I have posted a wide field image of the Veil Nebula complex taken from the beautifully dark skies of Spruce Knob on August 12. For the composition I used the Canon 350D and the 135mmf2L lens. I hope you enjoy the image and the accompanying notes.

Veil Nebula Wide Field webpage