Review
From the reviews: "This is not a guide to deep sky imaging in general, but more a journey of one man’s embarkation into this exciting topic. … What I found most impressive was that the topics are kept simple and to the point. … I believe this book has a wealth of information for anybody who wishes to pursue astrophotography as a hobby … . Would I recommend it? Well the simple answer is yes, there is a lot of inspiration to be gained and put into practice." (Ed Sampson, Astronomy Now, June, 2008) "Parker’s book is comprised of fourteen chapters spanning 155 pages and two appendices which make up a further six pages. … provides a list of 14 books which give a broad perspective on astronomy and can open doors to the newcomer with general information on astronomy as well as potential targets. … the book provides a good introduction to astrophotography that would be ideally suited to someone contemplating this addictive aspect of amateur astronomy." (Anthony Ayiomamitis, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1205), August, 2008)
From the Author
The aim of this book is to show you how to take those
remarkable deep-sky colour images you so often see in popular press science
articles - and to do so in the shortest time possible. A whole Chapter is
dedicated just to "pretty pictures". The idea here is to motivate you to
go out and take deep-sky images yourself, your main motivation coming from
the fact that I took all of these colour pictures within two years of
buying my first astronomical CCD camera. If you are willing to put in the
time and the effort, you will be able to produce similar quality work just
as quickly.
The equipment I discuss is not ultra-high tech, nor ultra-expensive, all
components, optical and electronic, readily available at very modest cost.
Both commercially available amateur reflectors and refractors are
considered, so that if you have preference of one type of instrument over
the other you should find the relevant information within this book.
The book does however come with a serious Health Warning. After you have
taken your first, half reasonable, deep-sky image, it is very likely that
you will become hooked. Be warned, this is a very serious addiction that
will eventually eat into both your valuable (sleeping) time, and your even
more valuable savings! It's too late for me personally, I am hooked, and
very seriously addicted - but I hope I have managed to get across to you
the reader, some of the enjoyment and inspiration that has led to my own
obsession with deep-sky imaging.