City Night Shots

[ozziegrowl]

Hi Guys,

just want to get your inputs on this shot. On a whim, i drove to the central business district here so that i can take a couple of shots :D Critique on the color would be greatly appreciated, I'm not sure if it's just me or my pictures look kinda different on a different monitor (i'm PP my pictures on a Macbook Pro, that's supposedly calibrated)

http://static.flickr.com/83/222253096_9aadb9b9ab.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/61/222253173_9f64f075c9.jpg?v=0

[photojag]

I am no expert on nite photography but I personally like these but prefer the second one. I am sure someone else will have better input. but good job

[StewartR]

I like #1. Unusual and interesting angle. I think it would be better if the two buildings were framed more symmetrically, but it's a good start.

#2 doesn't do anything for me though. There aren't actually many lights in the buildings - so most of what we're seeing is dull concrete buildings illuminated by some sort of diffuse light pollution glow. Ugh.

Your profile doesn't say where you live, so I can't judge whether those brown colours in the sky are accurate. Do you suffer from huge amounts of smog and light pollution? If so you might be better off waiting for clearer nights before trying night shots. If not then there's something wrong with the photos. What White Balance did you use?

Some other suggestions for getting good night shots:
Choose your location carefully. Elevated vantage points are good because you can see lots of light. Water in the foreground is good because of relections.
Shoot whilst there's still some light in the sky. About half an hour after sunset is often best - but experiment.
Make sure the buildings have lights on - so for example don't shoot office blocks at weekends. Winter is better than summer because it gets dark whilst people are still at work, hence more lights on.