Going Ballistic w/ Stretching Options

James Sokolowski

OK... am I the only person hopelessly confused and bewildered by all the options for stretching linear to non-linear THEN, enhancing contrast afterward?  I've actually been using ArchSinhStretch for making RGB Star Images to blend into my starless (RGB and/or color NB) images using PixelMath Screen Blending commands and I like that stretch for those stars.... BUT Holy Moley do I get confused by all the options out there for stretching the starless images...

Anybody got anything simplifying technique-wise to add and maybe help me out some?  This might be a good topic Adam for a Fundamentals / Horizons video as so many news tools are now available.

Thanx tons and have a great new year.

Jim

Andre Vilhena

Hi,

I had the same feeling but honestly have kept things simple - most of the time I stretch the starless images with one of two options:

- HT

- HT + Masked Stretch blend

and that's it. It is not uncommon to do an Exponential Stretch or performing HT/Curves adjustment later in the process but the main stretch is simply using one of those stated above.

Not sure if it helps... :)

Cheers,

André