I am all for people developing a style when it comes to astrophotography. Certainly I have been talking about it here for almost as long as I have been a member.
But part and part of developing style is learning the craft. There are reasons why things are normally done a particular way and why best practices are exactly that. To put it another way, if you desire to color outside the lines, that is fine, but learn how to color inside the lines.
Jackson Pollock is well known for his drip technique and his abstract art. What is perhaps less well known is that he was an accomplished painter who was capable of (and did) more traditional art. Picasso didn't start off as a Cubist. He was a very accomplished traditional painter first.
The reason for this is that learning "standard" technique and craft is a key to unlocking understanding and further learning, that eventually allow you to bust out of the norm and do things differently. You will eventually be able to better realize your vision of how to showcase your astrophotography, if you have a full tool chest of technique and the understanding that goes with it.
This is the beginning Deep Sky Imaging Forum. As such, there should be a focus on the underlying craft that makes the eventual art possible.
What I am not saying: I'm not saying that experimentation is off the table. I'm all for experimentation. It is a tremendous tool for learning.
What I am saying: Learn your craft and learn it well. That will enable you to present your astrophotography the way you eventually want, not hindered by your lack of technique.
Don't hinder yourself now by taking shortcuts that hide your astrophotography's shortcomings. That just hinders long-term learning.
Edited by Madratter, 24 January 2021 - 09:58 AM.