insomnia benefits of eureka moments

[Peter]

During the long night I had a eureka moment when mulling over the difficulties that not only myself but other newcomers to Pixinsight seem to have in learning the program's diverse and intricate mysteries . The eureka moment was thinking about the diverse approaches that Harry Page and others use to process their images. I am particularly impressed with Alejandro Tombolini's prestigious imaging processing talents. PFiles understanding and welcome advice to newcomers. Master Craftsman each one of them. Every new image seemed to require different approaches with different modules and scripts chosen to bring out the best of the image. This flexibility that Pixinsight provides was the eureka moment. There is no a to b to c workflow that is to be learned. Asking for a workflow is asking for the shifting sands to stay. Beyond the basic image integration etc., the user has to understand the fault with his images and refer to the documentation to identify the particular module that can help. I like to use the analogy that Pixinsight is like a craftsman's tool box, the craftsman is the development of a succession of understanding and mastering what his tools can do and the delicacy of his/her touch and delicateness. A new user is a trainee and he learns his craft by understanding his images. I am happy to now understand that I am an understudy and will listen and learn the approaches that each accomplished imager brings to the class. I now realise that each avenue of processing reflects each individual's  unique production for their image, no longer why this or that was used instead of this or that but to admire the final image and to what each tool brought to the final masterpiece. To be on this road of learning I thank all those who show me a way. To now accept that there can never be a standard workflow is wonderful as it encourages the user to become a Master. Thank you guys for your confidence in all those who wish to bring out the best of your illustrious creativity.

[NGC7789]

There is no a to b to c workflow that is to be learned. Asking for a workflow is asking for the shifting sands to stay.

Personally I have learned a lot by seeking the basic workflow. Understanding what tools should be applied at what stage has helped me greatly. It's true that a cookbook workflow actually only applies to a subset of images, and perhaps not even a majority of images. But it gives one a place to start and a reference point. Then when this basic workflow does not produce the desired results you can learn what tools or settings are required for that situation. It's true that it's like a craftsman's toolbox. But even a craftsman starts from basic workflows before improvising.

[Phil Leigh]

I couldn't have put it better. Using Pi is like being a master (or trainee) chef faced with a fully equipped kitchen, an array of ingredients and a head or shelf full of recipes... rather than someone with a pile of meat and a sausage machine...

(not that there isn't skill in making great sausages... it's just a much simpler problem domain! There is less to consider, less equipment to use and less to go wrong)

However, even great chefs have to start with some basic "classics"...

[Peter]

I think that was part of my initial post that there are routes that need to be understood before we can move to a more creative use of Pixinsight, but beyond the basics to follow every niche and carving to a particular image will slow you in learning as I believe that recognising the problem that your image has allows you to find the necessary tool that previous experience has taught you. The choice is yours as to the path you take but my path that I call my eureka moment is realising that I will never understand if I choose only to follow other imagers' talents rather than developing my own. I am glad you have found your path, I am also glad that I have found mine

[Peter]

Exactly Phil, it really is like that and couldn't agree more with your chef analogy, our lack of knowledge is because we are trainees and I hope you become a master that is also my wish, cheers

[jkmorse]

Peter,

All you say is true, but without my Cribsheet, there is no way this old grey headed imager could keep everything in PI straight.  At a minimum, it keeps me from missing essential steps that do apply to every processing effort.  Then again, in my case it might just be early onset dementia 

As a side note, late at night I am usually just trying to keep from tripping over my equipment but when I do look up from the computer, few things make me smile as much as those views of the naked eye heavens.

Best,

Jim

[dayers]

As a side note, late at night I am usually just trying to keep from tripping over my equipment but when I do look up from the computer, few things make me smile as much as those views of the naked eye heavens.

I can sure identify with these "smile moments." One of the disadvantages of having a camera on the end of the scope is missing too many naked eye views of the heavens.

Early onset Dave