Montreal, Canada Skyline (C&C)

[episodes Photography]

First time taking these kind of pictures. Taken around sunset time. Would love to have your advice and comments so that I can improve. I am going to Europe in two weeks to visit Paris, Venice, Capri and Rome. So I am practicing with the time I have left to make sure my photos will be as perfect as possible when I am there!

These are all taken with an XTi and Sigma 17-70
What is NOT good with these pictures?
How do you suggest I could take better pictures in these conditions?
Is my aperture, shutter speed, iso good for these scenes?
I did some PP in Lightroom. Does it look good and effective?

Thanks!

#1.
Exposure: 10 sec
Aperture: f/16
Focal Length: 53 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Exposure Program: Manual

#2.
Exposure: 3.2 sec (16/5)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 53 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Exposure Program: Manual

#3.
Exposure: 5 sec
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 48 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Exposure Program: Manual

[beepclick]

I think those are very nice. From what I hear, this type of shot is one of the most difficult to take. I don't know what you could do to improve on this. I'm sure there are some tips around here somewhere.

[Spike44]

The 3 rd shot is really nice with the blue accent ...better than black.
Is this due to PP or out-of-camera?

[rickc]

Please don't take this as a harsh critisizm, but it seems to me that you are trying to take in too much with your capture. Thus, you end up with a lot of very small points of light spread all over and very little detail. Perhaps a more subject oriented approach would have greater impact ie; a smaller subject area wich would allow you to get more light/building detail.

Of the three captures, the last one works best for me, as we can make out a lot more detail. Keep up the good work.

[episodes Photography]

Thanks for your comments, all!

Spike44, I took all those pictures in Auto WB. I actually got the blue accent out of camera. With PP I just made the sky even closer to blue. Here is the original out of the camera picture, for your info.

rickc, that wasn't harsh at all. I understand what you mean and I agree. I won't be scared of trying to zoom closer to max of 70 on my 17-70 (it is the only lens I have besides the kit lens). That's how I could reduce the subject area and get more detail.

[johnny0415]

IMHO:

#1 is plain boring because all the buildings are the same height. Nothing captures the eye.

#2 is a bit better with some variation in height - makes the eyes ponder about in the picture, but is weighted too much to the left. And also too dark for my liking.

#3 is the best in terms of composition and color. Nice job on the PP!

[episodes Photography]

johnny, good point on #1. I understand what you mean about barely any elevation. Thanks!
Will watch out for that next time!