The vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Criticism was leveled at the size of the book (if you go smaller than 8x10 inches the layout and readability suffer) and the inevitable ‘you told me about a piece of software/hardware I will never use’, an argument which you can never win. I rarely give specific equipment recommendations because it assumes I know precisely what the reader wants and in addition, the market is changing rapidly. The chapters on PixInsight continue to pique some; PixInsight does not have decent documentation and rather write a dry book, on each and every tool in isolation and without insight, I continue to think it is better to explain how to use the tools in the context of practical examples and workflows. Many readers think the same and have asked me to write an entire book on PixInsight along those lines. Maybe, one day.
“I would like to thank you for such a fabulous piece of work. I received my copy on the 16th July, as a birthday present and I cannot put it down.” SL
“ I have read most of the astroimaging books published since 2000 and I can honestly say that this is by far the best. Other books in this area are either too elementary or too advanced to be of much value to the intermediate imager. Your book is pitched at just the right level to address the needs of the many amateur astronomers who are familiar with the fundamentals of imaging and require a more detailed and practical account than that provided elsewhere. Dr. DH
“ This is one of the finest astrophotography books every written. If there is one book to own or begin learning about astrophotography, this is it. Whether fairly new, or just starting out or experienced; all will benefit substantially from this book. Amazon
“Without doubt, this book is the most comprehensive and well written “how to” astrophotography manual currently available. I have been imaging the night sky for over twenty years and during this time I have amassed a considerably library of astrophotography books. This one is different.” S Scott
“One of the best books I've seen on astrophotography. Full of real world examples and advice.” Amazon.com
“Already having quite a number of texts on the subject, I think I can confidently say yours is the among the best.Two things in particular impressed me the most. One, the excellent diagrams and photographs that are well-correlated to the text. And two, the fact that the entire content is very current regarding equipment, software and image capture and processing. I was especially pleased that you took on the challenge of describing the inner workings of PixInsight.” amazon.co.uk review
“Not too many pages in, I'm already pronouncing it as one of my favorite books on the subject. Very readable (entertaining even), without "talking down" to intermediate astrophotographers. Many useful tables and illustrations, that are well correlated to the text. I think Mr.Woodhouse has effectively raised the bar with this well-crafted volume.” Comments on Cloudy Nights Forum
Hi Chris, over the last two years I collected a fair amount of astrophotography books and I really must admit (now when I really start using them) that your book is by far the best - Sven
“This book takes you through the whole process of choosing and setting up your equipment, acquiring data and processing it. It provides a clear path through the techniques involved using modern software tools and tells you why some methods and tools work better than others. I learned so much from the chapter on guiding, for example. I just love the focus on clearly defined workflows for image processing; the 'what you do' and the 'why you do it' are all explained. The narrative is easy to read and the technical details are clearly explained - and it does get quite technical where necessary.... In summary, if you have started out in astrophotography and want to move forward, this book is a highly recommended.” Amazon.co.uk review
“I have now read this wonderful Astrophotography book. For new imagers or even advanced imagers there will be something in here for you... If you have every wondered what Deconvolution is, when to us it or why; What a Mask is, should you invert it and how to apply it, or maybe just a simple guide to what is a standard image processing workflow for an RGB image, narrow band or LRGB. Well all of these subjects and more are written about in possibly the best and most up to date book I have read for a while.” amazon.co.uk review
“Of all of the books and videos I own, your first edition was the biggest help in pushing me up the astrophotography learning curve last year.” SGP Forum
“It is comprehensive, including useful information ranging from astronomy basics through equipment selection and capture. I have found the “First Light Assignments” to be especially helpful and well explained. The knowledge and experience of the author is manifest. It is extremely detailed and well written.” peer review
Let me start by saying thank you for your incredible “The Astrophotography Manual!” As I gaze at the collection of astrophotography resources in my library, yours is hands-down the one I refer to most often; and, in my opinion, by far the best “one-stop” resource for all of us struggling to learn the details of this fascinating (and often frustrating) hobby!
“First, congratulations on your remarkable achievement(s)!
Both editions of your book are truly amazing accomplishments. Your knowledge, attention to detail and easy writing style are extraordinary.” peer review
“My copy of the second edition of your book arrived today, and I just wanted to say thank you, because it’s superb; a significant step up from what was already an outstanding publication. I really think this has set a benchmark that anything else would have difficulty approaching. Congratulations!” Neil, Australia
“It's superb Chris. My daughter bought me a copy for Christmas and I've barely put it down. I have Warrens Inside PI but your explanations are far more informative and much easier to understand. Definitely the first reference to pick up.
Happy New Year.” SGP forum
“Just received my copy of your new book. One of the best designed and published astronomy books I have ever owned. Looking forward to trying some of your PI tips since PI is a never ending learning curve!” SGP forum
“Your book is amazing. I have read a lot about astrophotography, but nothing can be compared with your book, it helps a lot.” Helber
“I thought I would let you know that I think your book is fantastic. I bought version one and two. Actually I bought two more for my astro buddies abroad” Adrien