FWIW I completely agree with you. I'm not ready to make a major investment in the equipment necessary to get top notch results and I marvel at some of the images (with a fair amount of envy) produced by some club members, yes, they are pro caliber and wonderful to look at. For me it's about the challenge and learning a new skill even if I never take it to the top levels, I may some day, however I still enjoy it and it's another way to enjoy and experience the heavens. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Raeburn Kennard Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 4:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Astronomy Imaging I don't understand why the imaging issue is a "yes" or "no" question. If a person is not interested, fine, don't do it. Each person can enjoy the wonders of the sky at his or her own level of comfort, knowledge, equipment, or lack of same. I have not spent any money on any astronomy-only photo equipment, but I've enjoyed using what I have to capture a few nice photos. (With digital, I don't even spend money on film for astronomy photos anymore.) And SLAS is tolerant enough of my amateur status to make room for my photos alongside those of the "pros" in its gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=464 For me, it has been a rewarding challenge to even capture the simple photos that I have. (And, of course I'm flattered when someone like my wife thinks they're pretty or unique.) I am confident I will never invest enough time or money to be in Tyler Allred's league, but I really enjoy seeing the magic that he, Patrick, Rob and the growing list of others achieve. And I am dazzled - not offended - by their use of available tools to do a "log transformation" (or any other magic) to make the captured data more accessible to our feeble human vision. Gee! It's all so classy and beautiful, I just can't understand why this topic is even being debated. I enjoy astronomy at my low-to-medium level; and I'm glad the rest of you share your high-to-super level results with such as I. Keep up the good work! Raeburn G. Kennard Kirton & McConkie 60 East South Temple, Suite 1800 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 321-4867 direct telephone (801) 328-3600 main switchboard (801) 550-6143 cell (801) 212-2075 fax rkennard@kmclaw.com