From Stack to Stunner: The Ultimate M42 Photoshop Workflow

A Step-by-Step Guide for Astro-nuts to Unlock the Full Potential of Their Orion Nebula Images.

Hey Dwarfers and Astro-Nuts,

Does this sound familiar? You’ve spent hours capturing a gorgeous, deep dataset of the Orion Nebula. You’ve stacked it in SIRIL or the Stellar Studio, and the result looks... okay. The nebula is visible, the stars are there, but the colors are muted, the bright core is blown out, and it just lacks that “wow” factor you see in other images.

Just getting started with SIRIL or want to learn some new tricks? Check out our Ultimate SIRIL Guide

It’s a common challenge. You have a fantastic, data-rich file, but the path to a vibrant, detailed, and stunning final image in Photoshop feels like a maze of confusing tools and complex layers.

What if I told you that you’re just a few non-destructive layers away from turning that solid stack into a jaw-dropping work of art?

This isn’t a theory. This is the exact process we just documented. We took or D3’s 600-light raw stack of Messier 42 straight from SIRIL and followed the specific, step-by-step workflow in our new guide to achieve this incredible image:

Yes, this really was captured by a D3!

After publishing this M42 image on FB and receiving a flood of questions about the specific techniques used, I’ve worked with our DwarfVision Project AI to create the most detailed, DWARF-specific, and beginner-friendly guide to processing in Photoshop. We’ve documented everything, from initial noise reduction and star control using RC Astro plugins to advanced colour-stretching, taming the bright core, and utilizing Photoshop’s new Generative Removal tool for clean-up.

This comprehensive guide is one of the exclusive benefits for our paying DwarfVision subscribers. By upgrading today, you’ll gain immediate access to the entire 10-step playbook, which you can work with online or download and print. It’s complete with every screenshot, pro tip, and advanced technique we used.

Additionally, when Photoshop or the RC Astro plugins are updated with major new features, I will update the guide to reflect the latest changes. When you need assistance with your SIRIL stacking or Post-Processing adventures, I will support you, chat with me directly on SubStack, or Facebook.

Stop settling for “good enough” and start creating images that truly pop!

Upgrade Your Subscription to grab your copy today!