Critque Needed: Tokyo Landscapes

[tomatoevo]

Hi all,

I've been searching the forum for a while now and just signed up recently. I was wondering if I could get some advice on what I did wrong, especially with my first picture since it was my favorite as far as the composition goes. The second one doesn't have the dirty upper right corner. I checked the lens and the glass I was shooting throught and they weren't dirty at all...weird.

Camera is 30d, lens is 28mm 2.8. A is stopped down all the way to f 22.

Thanks.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/tomatoevo/IMG_1225.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/tomatoevo/IMG_1224.jpg

[manipula]

I've got to admit I am struggling to see this dirty area at the top right. I circled some bits I can see on the picture below, I hope you don't mind me re-hosting and editing it?

The bits circled appear to be being made worse by the light around or behind them illuminating the dust/dirt. The only explanation can be either dirt on the lens or filter. Or, if you were shooting from behind glass. Sometimes, and I've found it myself, you can get little greasy smears on the filter/lens which are difficult to see without holding it at an angle against the light. Last time I got it was off sea foam/spray near a beach. That caused a similar effect.

That said, currently the bits circled are with a bit of time and patience, removable in Photoshop in my opinion. I'd also have a tweak on the midtones on the levels too! ;)

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o71/manipula/ForForum.jpg

[ErikM]

f22? As far as I know you shouldn't stop down much farther than f16 with a APS-C sensor. Any farther and you will actually be losing detail. For this shot, f14 or f16 would be ideal. I am sure f11 would work fine too. Also, are you using a tripod? Seems like there is a little motion blur.. have you tried mirror lock up?