Post-Processing Milky Way Photos

I'm writing this how-to in response to some queries about how to post-process milky way photos.

Let's start with the tools used. I shoot with a Nikon D5100 and generally use my 18-55mm kit lens but have recently started using a 35mm ƒ1.8 for better light sensitivity and I stitch them in Photoshop. Which brings me to the software, I use Lightroom 4 and Photoshop CS6.

Once I import my photos into LR, my first step is to Enable Profile Corrections to match the lens that I used. Then, while in the Develop module, I start from the top and work my way down. Basic, Tone Curve, Detail, Camera Cailbration. Anything not mentioned I generally skip.

Step 1 - Basic Adjustments

~ I generally shoot the WB at Fluorescent #2, but I always ended up changing it to the 3700-4200 range, and the Tint is generally in the 40-50 range.
~ I always add +1.00 or more the Exposure.
(My editing style is all about the contrast of lights and darks for milky way shots, and it shows in the following settings)
~ Contrast is +25-40 range.
~ Highlights +30-ish
~ Shadows -20-30
~ White +30-45
~ Clarity +20-40
~ Vibrance +20 (I like the vibrant colors, not too much, just a kiss)







Step 2 - Tone Curve
This goes right along with my contrasty editing style.

These are pretty self-explanatory.



















Step 3 - Detail
Keep the Noise Reduction - Luminance and Contrast low and the Detail, Color, and Color Detail high.

Step 4 - Camera Calibration

I change the Profile to Camera Vivid, but that's my style.

After those 4 steps I will look at the other adjustments that need to be done, speaking of Crop/Rotation, Graduated Filter, and the Adjustment Brush.

Step 5 - Crop/Rotation
I usually don't do any cropping because I want the scene as wide as I can but I will correct the rotation as needed. (Hey it's hard to see that your good and level in the pitch dark)

Step 6 - Graduated Filter
I will used a Graduated Filter or two to lighten or darken the foreground or sky as I see fit. For this one, I lightened the foreground by increasing the exposure, highlights, and shadows.

Step 7 - Adjustment Brush
Last, but certainly not least is the adjustment brush. I will add a brush right in the middle of the milky way to help show some of the contrast to give definition. Similar to what is shown below. I always play with the sliders until I get the effect that I desire, which can vary depending on the photo.

And now for the before and after. Note that these are just screenshots so the quality isn't very good.

Before:

After:

If you have questions, feel free to email me or contact me on Facebook, or Google+. And don't forget to check out my Nightscape Gallery.