Hey! I wanted to share my “experience” as a newcomer, starting not only with astrophotography, but also with photography in general recently.
Just a few months ago, I didn’t even know what an aperture, stacking or other basic stuff is, and now, I feel a bit proud and think I’m getting there.

I know, it really is not much, but I’m trying to not compare myself with other photographers here who have 30 years of experience and equipment worth more than my yearly income.
I just wanted to share my learning experience with you all, aswell as all issues and stepping stones I’ve had and (hopefully) grown out of.

As a camera, I use a Sony RX100 III compact camera, which is probably the least thing any of us here think about when talking about astrophotography.

Don’t take this post too seriously :) It’s only a small anecdote and hopefully a bit entertaining for you all 😊

Btw, I also tried to include a few pictures (stacked + edited, aswell as one light frame to compare) in each paragraph for visualization. They’re “hidden” behind a spoiler-tag for better readability.

First pictures

They were literally just taken as-is out of the window of my apartment, without any mount, and with 30s shutter speed. No stacking or whatever.

Pics

First stacking tests

Without DBF, usually shitty.

Pics

Using DBFs + better camera settings

In the beginning, I only used the -withoutDBF script.
I started using the display of my E-reader (white, diffuse light) to capture my flats, reduced the shutter speed from ~20-30s to 10s (no more trails) and increased the aperture by one F-stop (2 or 2.2 instead of 1.8, the lowest), which resulted in sharper images with less noise.
Also, I got a cheap camera mount :D

Comparison

Without DBF: Same picture, with DBF added later:

Better software skills

I began to learn better how Siril works and developed my workflow. It’s fascinating how much I was able to “rescue”.

Learning curve

Edit, just two months prior: Exact same photo/ .fit-file, opened today and edited with my current skills:

Better spot and conditions - Today

Many of the pictures were taken in or near a city, and now, I only have to go a few minutes by foot to get my perfect spot with barely any light pollution.

I also learned to hate our fucking moon - as soon as I notice that we have more than crescent moon, I don’t even leave my house, except if I want to make a few pics of the landscape.

Final pics

Additional ones, just because I can

They’re single takes or star trails, but still taken at night.
I found them neat too, so I just included them :D

Pics



Future path

I really don’t know what this will lead to.

  • First, I definitely want to learn my stacking software better, because I think I didn’t unreavel all of its’ potential yet.
  • Also, I want to get a better camera some time, when I have the money for it
  • Fight some more issues, namely those from my last post here (lens condensation + tracker)
  • and probably much more!

Thank you for reading! :)