Walt Watson Astrophotography
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waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
Walt Watson Astrophotography
@waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
840 followers 280 following 250 posts
Amateur astrophotographer enjoying the hobby on Cape Cod. All photos were taken by me in my wife's garden unless otherwise noted. waltwatsonastro.com
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The Dolphin Nebula (SH2-188), a.k.a. the Shrimp or Firefox Nebula. Is a planetary nebula (formed from ejected outer layers of a dying star when collapsing into a white dwarf). This is a SHO image where: ionized Sulfur are reds, Hydrogen are yellows and Oxygen are blues.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Dolphin Nebula (SH2-188), a.k.a. the Shrimp or Firefox Nebula. Is a planetary nebula (formed from ejected outer layers of a dying star when collapsing into a white dwarf). This is a SHO image where: ionized Sulfur are reds, Hydrogen are yellows and Oxygen are blues. Exposure: 4 hours, Skies Bortle 3, 11/08/25 Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii, Askar C1 duo band SO/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
November 25, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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The Pleiades, a.k.a. The Seven Sisters or M45. Pleiades is known for its bright, blue stars and the surrounding reflection nebulae. Recent work has shown that it is a part of a much larger stellar complex that spans over 2,000 light years.

Exposure 6 hours, 11/19/25

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Pleiades, a.k.a. The Seven Sisters or M45. Pleiades is known for its bright, blue stars and the surrounding reflection nebulae. Recent work has shown that it is a part of a much larger stellar complex that spans over 2,000 light years. Exposure 6 hours, 11/19/25 Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlters: SVbony UV/IR cut filter Processed in SIRIL and Photoshop Skies: Bortle 3-4
November 21, 2025 at 1:21 PM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
Caroline's Rose (NGC 7789), is a richly populated open star cluster located in Cassiopeia. The eddies and swirls in the cluster resemble rose petals hence the name. I used a 4 vane diffraction mask on my 102mm refractor, which gives brighter stars visible artsy spikes.

#astronomy #astrophotography
Caroline's Rose (NGC 7789), is a richly populated open star cluster located in Cassiopeia. The eddies and swirls in the cluster resemble rose petals hence the name. I used a 4 vane diffraction mask on my 102mm refractor, which gives brighter stars visible artsy spikes. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: SVBony UV/IR cut Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
November 18, 2025 at 11:55 AM
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SH2-140 is an emission nebula which is part of the Cepheus molecular cloud complex. It is a stellar nursery where clouds of hydrocarbons are glowing under UV radiation. This image is rendered so ionized Hydrogen are reds and Oxygen are blues.

Exposure 4 hrs, 10/03/25

#astronomy #astrophotography
SH2-140 is an emission nebula which is part of the Cepheus molecular cloud complex. It is a stellar nursery where clouds of hydrocarbons are glowing due to UV radiation. This image is rendered so ionized Hydrogen are reds and Oxygen are blues. Exposure 4 hrs, 10/03/25 Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2 #astronomy #astrophotography
November 15, 2025 at 12:35 PM
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Perseus Double Cluster Caldwell 14 (NGC 869 & 884) is a young pair of open star clusters with many hot blue-white stars. This years photo was taken with my SV555 Petzval astrograph which has better color correction than the scope I had used previously for this target.

#astronomy #astrophotography
Perseus Double Cluster Caldwell 14 (NGC 869 & 884) is a young pair of open star clusters with many hot blue-white stars. This years photo was taken with my SV555 Petzval astrograph which has better color correction than the scope I had used previously for this target. Total exposure: 1.5 hours Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlters: SVBony UVIRcut Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert and Photoshop
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 PM
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The Gamma Cygni Nebula (IC 1318) plus the Crescent (NGC 6888) and Butterfly nebulae in Cygnus. This is my 3rd run this year at this region updating my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This photo renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues).

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Gamma Cygni Nebula (IC 1318) plus the Crescent(NGC 6888) and Butterfly nebulae in Cygnus. This is my 3rd run this year at this region updating my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This photo renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues). Total exposure: ~ 6 hours Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlters: SVBony UVIRcut, ASKAR Colormagic Ha/Oiii and Sii/Oiii duo band Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert and Photoshop
November 8, 2025 at 12:23 PM
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Dragonfly Cluster (NGC 457) is an open star cluster in Cassiopeia. It a visually striking cluster that resembles the insect and is shown here with a visual aid and without. It was discovered in 1780 by William Herschel.

Moonless, Bortle 3 sky, 99 min exposure, 10/22/25

#astronomy #astrophotography
Dragonfly Cluster (NGC 457) is an open star cluster in Cassiopeia. It a visually striking cluster that resembles the insect and is shown here with a visual aid and without. It was discovered in 1780 by William Herschel. Moonless, Bortle 3 sky, 99 min exposure, 10/22/25 Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: SVBony UVIRcut Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
November 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
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The Lion Nebula (Sh2-132) is an emission nebula located on the Southern rim of Cepheus. It is a dim object and I used a long exposure of ~ 8 hours to image it. This photo uses the Hubble palette which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues).

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Lion Nebula (Sh2-132) is an emission nebula located on the Southern rim of Cepheus. It is a dim object and I used a long exposure of ~ 8 hours to image it. This photo uses the Hubble palette which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues). Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlters: ASKAR Colormagic Ha/Oiii and Sii/Oiii duo band Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert and Photoshop
November 2, 2025 at 12:48 PM
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Ghosts of Cassiopeia (IC 63, IC 59) are illuminated by the very bright star Gamma Cassiopeia (γ Cas) and are ~ 550 light years from Earth. This is a wide field photo rendered so ionized Oxygen are blues and Hydrogen are reds.

Skies: Moonless Bortle 3
Exposure: 4 hours

#astronomy #astrophotography
Ghosts of Cassiopeia (IC 63, IC 59) are illuminated by the very bright star Gamma Cassiopeia (γ Cas) and are ~ 550 light years from Earth. This is a wide field photo rendered so ionized Oxygen are blues and Hydrogen are reds. Skies: Moonless Bortle 3 Exposure: 4 hours Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
October 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
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The Skull Nebula (NGC 2237) in the constellation Monoceros at ~ 5200 ly from Earth. With it soon to be Halloween it seems like a good time to post the "Skull". This photo is a high contrast BW image of the Rosette nebula rotated to bring out the eerie apparition.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Skull Nebula (NGC 2237) in the constellation Monoceros at ~ 5200 ly from Earth. With it soon to be Halloween it seems like a good time to post the "Skull". This photo is a high contrast BW image of the Rosette nebula rotated to bring out the eerie apparition. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 80ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 FIlters: ASKAR Colormagic Ha/Oiii duo band
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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The IRIS Nebula (NGC 7023) is 1300ly distant. It is a reflection nebula illuminated by a hot B-type star within the Cepheus Flare dust cloud. It is a very bright intricate object popular with astrophotagraphers.

Bortle 3 sky, UV/IR cut filter, 5 hour exposure

#astronomy #astrophotography
The IRIS Nebula (NGC 7023) is 1300ly distant. It is a reflection nebula illuminated by a hot B-type star within the Cepheus Flare dust cloud. It is a very bright intricate object popular with astrophotagraphers. 5 hour exposure, 10/2/2025 Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: SVBony UVIRcut Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
October 25, 2025 at 12:39 PM
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The Cygnus Loop (SH-103) supernova remnant is over 120 light years in diameter, expanding at ~0.5 million mph. This is an update of my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This is a SHO image which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues).

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Cygnus Loop (SH-103) supernova remnant is over 120 light years in diameter, expanding at ~0.5 million mph. This is an update of my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This is a SHO image which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues). Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlters: ASKAR Colormagic Ha/Oiii and Sii/Oiii duo band Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert and Photoshop
October 22, 2025 at 12:16 PM
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The Cradle of Vulpecula is a stellar nursery which contains the emission nebula SH2-86 and a young star cluster NGC 6823. This photo was taken over 2 nights just before a Nor'Easter hit here on Cape Cod. This is a narrow band photo where reds are Ha and blues are Oiii.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Cradle of Vulpecula is a stellar nursery which contains the emission nebula SH2-86 and a young star cluster NGC 6823. This photo was taken over 2 nights just before a Nor'Easter hit here on Cape Cod. This is a narrow band photo where reds are Ha and blues are Oiii. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
October 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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The Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 925 located in the constellation Triangulum at ~30 million light years from Earth and was used in a Hubble space telescope project to refine the Hubble constant (per Wikipedia). This is a 5 hour exp. collected over 2 nights in Sept. 2025.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 925 located in the constellation Triangulum at ~30 million light years from Earth and was used in a Hubble space telescope project to refine the Hubble constant (per Wikipedia). This is a 5 hour exp. collected over 2 nights in Sept. 2025. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: SVBony UV/IR cut Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2 Exposure: 5 hours
October 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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The Cosmic Question Mark is comprised of a large emission nebula NGC 7822 and the small "Dot" is the Little Rosette Nebula (SH2-170). This photo is an updated post from 2 spectral bands to 3 where ionized Sulfur are reds, Hydrogen are yellows and Oxygen are blues.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Cosmic Question Mark is comprised of a large emission nebula NGC 7822 and the small "Dot" is the Little Rosette Nebula (SH2-170). This photo is an updated post from 2 spectral bands to 3 where ionized Sulfur are reds, Hydrogen are yellows and Oxygen are blues. Equipment: SVBony SV555 Petzval astrograph ZWO AM3 mount ASKAR type C duo band filter set (Ha/Oiii,Sii/Oiii) ZWO ASI2600 mc pro color camera Mini PC running NINA and PHD2 for control and auto-guiding.
October 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
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The Fossil Footprint Nebula (NGC 1491) located in the constellation Perseus at a distance of 10 Kly. This is a 6 hour SHO exposure rendered using the eye pleasing FORAXX palette where Ha are reds, Oiii are blues, and Sii are darker blues taken 10/03/25.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Fossil Footprint Nebula (NGC 1491) located in the constellation Perseus at a distance of 10 Kly. This is a 6 hour SHO exposure rendered using the eye pleasing FORAXX palette where Ha are reds, Oiii are blues, and Sii are darker blues taken 10/03/25. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii, Askar C1 duo band SO/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
October 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
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The Hidden Galaxy (IC 342, Caldwell 5) lies on the other side of the Milky Way near the galactic plane behind dense interstellar dust clouds. This photo is a narrow band Ha/Oiii image rendered using the HOO palette to show regions of nebulosity within the galaxy.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Hidden Galaxy (IC 342) lies on the other side of the Milky Way near the galactic plane behind dense interstellar dust clouds. This photo is a narrow band Ha/Oiii image rendered using the HOO palette to show regions of nebulosity within the galaxy. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2
October 9, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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The Flying Dragon Nebula (Sh2-114) is an extremely faint filament structured HII region located in Cygnus which resembles a dragon in flight. This photo is a 12 hour exposure taken over 4 nights in late September 2025 using a Ha/Oiii narrow band filter.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Flying Dragon Nebula (Sh2-114) is an extremely faint filament structured HII region located in Cygnus which resembles a dragon in flight. This photo is a 12 hour exposure taken over 4 nights in late September 2025 using a Ha/Oiii narrow band filter. Equipment: Telescope: SVBONY SV555 Petzval astrograph Camera: ZWO ASI2600 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 Controller: Mini PC, NINA, PHD2 Filter: Askar C1 Ha/Oiii
October 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM
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The Cave Nebula (SH2-155, Caldwell 9) is a diffuse emission nebula with reflection and dark regions located in Cepheus. It is a 10.5 hour exposure taken over 2 nights, finished 09/28, and is rendered as a SHO image, Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues).

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Cave Nebula (SH2-155, Caldwell 9) is a diffuse emission nebula with reflection and dark areas located in Cepheus. It is a 10.5 hour exposure taken over 2 nights, finished 09/28, and is rendered as a Hubble palette SHO image, Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues). Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii, Askar C1 duo band SO/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
October 4, 2025 at 11:47 AM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
The Iris (NGC 7023) and Ghost (SH2-136) nebulae in the Cepheus Flare Molecular Cloud Complex. Both reflection nebulae are relatively close to each other and are about 1200 to 1300 ly distant from Earth.

Exposure: 3 hours , Skies: moonless Bortle 3
09/26/25

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Iris (NGC 7023) and Ghost (SH2-136) nebulae in the Cepheus Flare Molecular Cloud Complex. Both reflection nebulae are relatively close to each other and are about 1200 to 1300 ly distant from Earth. Equipment: Telescope: SVBONY SV555 Petzval astrograph Camera: ZWO ASI2600 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 Controller: Mini PC, NINA, PHD2 Filter: SVBony UV/IR cut
October 1, 2025 at 11:32 AM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
The Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380) in Cepheus, was discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1787. This photo is an update of my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This SHO image uses the Hubble palette which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues).

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380) in Cepheus, was discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1787. This photo is an update of my earlier post from 2 spectral bands to 3. This SHO image uses the Hubble palette which renders ionized Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues). Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii, Askar C1 duo band SO/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
September 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is 2.5 Mly distant. M31 is larger than the Milky Way and is heading right for us at ~ 120 km/sec impacting in ~4.5 billion years. This is a wide field (3.4 x 5.3 deg) HaRGB photo taken with a my SVBony SV555 astrograph.

Skies: Bortle 3-4
09/04/25

#astronomy #astrophotography
Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is 2.5 Mly distant. M31 is larger than the Milky Way and is heading right for us at ~ 120 km/sec impacting in 4.5 billion years. This is a wide field (3.2 x 5.3 deg) HaRGB photo taken with a my SVBony SV555 astrograph Exposure: 5 hours Moon: none Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 FIlter: SVbony UV/IR cut, ASKAR C1 duo band Ha/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert and Affinity Photo 2
September 24, 2025 at 3:42 PM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
The Gamma Cygni Nebula (IC 1318) is a diffuse emission nebula ~ 4900 ly distant in the constellation Cygnus. Included in the photo are the Crescent(NGC 6888) and Butterfly nebulae. This is my 2nd run this year at this region using a Ha (reds) + Oiii (blues) nb filter.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Gamma Cygni Nebula (IC 1318) is a diffuse emission nebula ~ 4900 ly distant in the constellation Cygnus. Included in the photo is the Crescent (NGC 6888) and Butterfly nebulae. This is my 2nd run at this region this year using a Ha (reds) - Oiii (blues) duo band filter. Telescope: SVBony SV555 Camera: ZWO ASI2600 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ASKAR Colormagic duo band Ha/Oiii Total Exposure: 3 hours Camera frame time: 3 min Camera CCD temp: -12 C Skies: Bortle 3-4 Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
September 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
Wolf's Cave (B 175, C 201, vdB 152), Dark Shark (LDN 1235) , and Rotten Fish (LDN 1251) are dark and reflection nebulae located in the Cepheus molecular cloud region. They are ~ 650 to 1400 light years from Earth. This is a 2 panel mosaic photo, 5hrs exposure per panel.

#astronomy #astrophotography
Wolf's Cave (B 175, C 201, vdB 152), Dark Shark (LDN 1235) , and Rotten Fish (LDN 1251) dark and reflection nebulae located in the Cepheus molecular cloud region. They are ~ 650 to 1400 light years from Earth. This is a 2 panel mosaic photo, 5hrs exposure per panel. Equipment: Telescope: SVBONY SV555 Petzval astrograph Camera: ZWO ASI2600 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM3 Controller: Mini PC, NINA, PHD2 Filter: UV/IR cut
September 18, 2025 at 11:41 AM
waltwatsonastro.bsky.social
The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) in Cassiopeia. Is an emission nebula in which the intense central star has sculpted the local stellar medium. This is a SHO narrow band image showing the distribution of Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues) within the nebula.

#astronomy #astrophotography
The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) in Cassiopeia. Is an emission nebula in which the intense central star has sculpted the local stellar medium. This is a SHO narrow band image showing the distribution of Sulfur(reds), Hydrogen(yellows) and Oxygen (blues) within the nebula. Equipment: Telescope: SVBony SV503 102ed Camera: ZWO ASI533 mc pro Mount: ZWO AM5 Controller: Mini PC running NINA, Phd2, Stellarium Filters: ZWO duo band Ha/Oiii and Askar C1 duo band Sii/Oiii Processed in SIRIL, Graxpert, and Affintiy Photo 2.
September 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM