What goes into an imaging run?

Much of the pleasure and enjoyment I get from my astrophotography comes from getting out there and actually getting the data.  I find that when I talk to friends and family outside of the hobby, they are completely unaware of what producing a single picture actually involves.  No sooner as I start to explain the process, the all too familiar glazed look appears over their face and I soon realise that actually what I am trying to say isn't making much sense at all.  I totally get that.  We all learn in different ways, and one of the easiest ways I personally learn new things is by demonstration.  Actually seeing it happen in front of me.  This is why video tutorials on the internet are such a big resource for me and others to tap into. 

Recently, I've rediscovered my YouTube channel.  As you may have read in my last post, for some time it has just sat there, unloved and unused for but it's time to dust it down and start using it again.

I thought what better way to get the message out there for others, than by using the same mechanism I use myself to learn about something new.

A couple of nights ago, we had some clear sky for a couple of hours and I wanted to take that opportunity to do some imaging.  Given that I had recently re-acquainted myself with my screen capture software I decided to record what I was doing, cut out the boring bits, speed up the slow bits and try to explain what was going on as I went along.  So, here's the second of my recent videos taking a quick look at what happens when I decide to open the observatory roof.  I hope you enjoy, and feel free to subscribe to the channel so you can see what's added in the future.  Clear skies!