Announcement
Jim Matzger lovingly calls his backyard observatory “Astro La Vista.” From his dark sky locations in Prescott, Arizona and Borrego Springs, California, he finds all kinds of delightful imaging opportunities. Now he offers his premium quality, Fine Astrophotography creations direct to you through this Astro La Vista Observatory store. Through him and his production partners he offers unparalleled Astro Art you will be proud to own. His aluminized metal prints are made in America from environmentally friendly recycled aluminum.
Many of his images were obtained from the astrophotographer’s dark sky back yards in Prescott, Arizona and Borrego Springs, Ca. or from travel to “off the beaten path” dark sky locations. As is often the case, weather can be a factor that makes imaging difficult. During those times, the astrophotographer turns to other observatories from around the world to acquire raw images to process and incorporate into final Astro works of art. This practice is common in the Astrophotography world. Raw telescope images are to a astrophotographer what clay is to a potter.
Many of the top astrophotographers acquire raw images from third parties since most of them are located in urban light polluted areas rather than dark sky communities. In fact, some of these folks specialize in only processing other people’s raw images, with permission of course. The funny thing is that final images from identical raw inputs vary greatly. Though the inputs for two astrophotographers may be the same, the resulting final image can be as different as night and day depending on the abilities and preferences of each specific astrophotographer. Two specific commercial sources of raw images that are commonly used in the industry are Deep Sky West and Insight Observatory. Some raw images are also available from public observatories and even Hubble. He has even processed images from the Chandra X-ray Observatory of all places. There are no outer limits when it comes to Astrophotography!
He will post information regarding his sources of raw images on each listing when the raw image was not taken through his own cameras and lenses.
If you are ever in Borrego Springs, California you might want to visit the Borrego Art Institute. It is right next to Christmas Circle. You might spot a few of Jim's works there from time to time. Alternatively, you might want to check out his Gallery on Astrobin where he is one of the top ranked Astro photographers.
Custom sizes and mounts are available on request.
Items
All Items
Reviews
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Larry on Mar 4, 2023
5 out of 5 starsI have followed Jim's work for quite some time and was so excited that it is now available on these frameless aluminum panels. I just received The Wizard and couldn't be happier. Ordering was easy, it arrived on time, well packaged and in perfect condition. The only challenge I had was choosing which one to purchase first.
Jim responded on Mar 4, 2023
Larry, thank you for your review!
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Carole on Jan 26, 2023
5 out of 5 starsThe product quality was outstanding, it arrived in flawless condition, and it was delivered days before it was promised. Love the Sawtooth Mountains and Redfish Lake. This brings back fond memories. It met our expectations and more.
Jim responded on Mar 4, 2023
Thank you, Carole!
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About AstroLaVista
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Jim Matzger viewing an annular eclipse in the neighborhood
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Borrego Springs Observatory
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New 106mm Takahasi FSQ 106EDX IV F5 Astrograph next to the Astro-Physics 130mm f6.3 Starfire Gran Turismo Refractor.
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Overhead View of Astro La Vista Observatory, Prescott, Az.
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Borrego Springs Observatory, Borrego Springs, Ca.
Shop members
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Jim Matzger
Owner, Astrophotographer
Jim Matzger is one of the top astrophotographers at Astrobin, an International community of over 50,000 astrophotographers. Astro La Vista Observatory sits in his back yard in Prescott, Arizona. Life is good!
Production partners
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Aluminyze
Norcross, GA
Our custom prints are created using only the highest quality materials by our partner Aluminyze who creates our prints by hand cutting the aluminum to your desired shape and size. Aluminum is light weight, durable, highly corrosion resistant, doesn’t rust, and is naturally fire resistant.
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Deep Sky West
Rowe, NM
Deep Sky West provides Remote Telescope Imaging and Hosting facilities to Astronomers and Astrophotographers. Raw image sets purchased from Deep Sky West are selected, registered, calibrated, stacked, and edited in various software programs by Jim Matzger.
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Insight Observatory
Marstons Mills, MA
Insight Observatory and their affiliates provide Remote Telescope Imaging and Hosting facilities to Astronomers and Astrophotographers. Raw image sets purchased from Insight Observatory are selected, registered, calibrated, stacked, and edited in various software programs by Jim Matzger.
Shop policies
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Cancellations
Cancellations: accepted
Request a cancellation: within 24 hours of purchase