Final Result has been updated in another video. Updated method shown in upcoming video

Welcome back to Hidden Light Photography!

In this episode, we’re heading 31 million light years away — to revisit one of the most iconic galaxies in the night sky: **M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy**.

🌀 But this isn’t just about the object — it’s about the journey.
This was the third target I ever captured, back when I had no calibration frames, no clue how to handle a meridian flip, and was shooting deep sky with a planetary camera.
Now, years later, I’m returning to M51 — this time with better gear, a refined workflow, and a promise to visit again when to look back.

🎯 Whether you’re looking to capture M51 yourself or just want to see what it takes to photograph a galaxy from your backyard — this is your invitation to come along for the ride.

In this video, you'll:
📌 See my original image from the early days
🔭 Get a full walkthrough of the modern gear I used
🧠 Learn how I built my capture sequence in NINA
📸 Watch a timelapse of the imaging session
🌌 And see the final HaLRGB image reveal

This is one of those special targets where everything clicks into place — a reminder that sometimes it's ok to look back and reflect, and your early attempts should always be held onto as a reminder of where you started.

🛠️ Gear used:
SkyWatcher 200P Newtonian Reflector
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
EQ6R Pro Mount
Optolong LRGB + Ha filters
ASI585MC for guiding
Captured in NINA | Processed in PixInsight

📌 And yes — I’ll see you in PixInsight for the next part.

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In the market for new gear? Use my High Point Scientific affiliate link to help support the channel:

https://www.highpointscientific.com/?...

🛒 See my current rig, software, and favorite gear:
👉 https://hiddenlight-photography.com/b...

🧰 Explore more tutorials, downloads, and tools:
👉 https://hiddenlight-photography.com

📺 Related Videos:
NINA Advanced Sequencer
Setup →    • Master NINA's Advanced Sequencer: Ultimate...  
Triggers, Loops, Instructions →    • Unlocking NINA's Advanced Sequencer Potent...  
Multi-Target setup →    • Master NINA's Advanced Sequencer: Multi-Ta...  
Deeper Dive →    • NINA Advanced Sequencer – Make It Make Sen...  

PixInsight HaLRGB Workflow (Coming Soon!)

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💬 Have you revisited an old target recently? Drop your before/after in the comments — I’d love to see it.
📧 [email protected]
🔔 Like the mission? Join the channel and help support future content:
   / @hidden.light.photography  

#M51 #WhirlpoolGalaxy #astrophotography #nina #halrgb #dslrastro #deepSkyImaging #HiddenLightPhotography #PixInsight