Anyone who attempts astrophotography will soon learn that every step of it involves a steep learning curve- including the final stage of image processing. It’s not as simple as adjusting color or contrast then cropping the image for the final presentation. A good quality image that makes the most of your time spent with your telescope and camera is the result of an effective workflow involving software tools and processing methods. This is where astro-imaging expert Adam Block can help.

APOD July 7th 2009: Credit: Adam Block

Adam Block, Public Observing Programs Coordinator at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, is an accomplished astrophotographer with many of his works featured on the popular website, Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD). His images can be found in popular magazines, books, software programs, commercial products, and popular space-related websites. Adam has inspired scores of beginner and experienced astrophotographers with his collection of outstanding astronomical images. Fortunately, Adam has established formal workshops to share his image processing knowledge.

Astro-Image Processing Workshop

Learning Center Main Area

On September 2nd-5th 2010, Adam will conduct his “Making Every Pixel Count” workshop at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter located just north of Tucson, Arizona. This 3-day workshop involves image editing techniques in various software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, CCDStack, and Mira. It covers a full range of topics, from basic image acquisition and problem solving to compressing the dynamic range of the data for the best possible aesthetic results. The workshop is intended to help those who are new to astrophotography as well as experienced imagers who want to improve their techniques. Following each workshop (weather permitting) is the chance to use the 24-inch RC Optical Systems telescope!

Workshop information here. 

Full Image Processing Workshop Agenda here.

If you are unable to attend the September workshop, Adam is planning another session in December of this year. Alternatively, you can purchase professional instructional DVD videos for processing astro-images in Photoshop and CCDStack at Adam’s website. Instructional DVD’s here.

More on Adam Block and Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

Learn more about Adam Block and his work at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter in the featured video below. It draws you into his world of astronomy and astrophotography at this awesome facility in the breath-taking mountains of Arizona. After watching the video, you will be Tucson-bound!