First time cityscape

[laislinns]

I recently purchased a new Canon EOS 550D and have been experimenting with it. Earlier this week, I was photographing the Cheongju cityscape for the first time, and this is one of three pictures that came out reasonably well. As this is my first photograph of this kind, and my first post on the forums, I was interested in feedback and critique. The three questions that I am particularly wondering about are: Is the picture too out of focus? Are the light trails noticable and do they add to the picture in any way? Are the lights reflected in the water contributing to the picture or are they just unnecessary background.

Unfortunately, the website is not letting me put the photo up and keeps saying that it is not an image file. The photo can be found at this website:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IurMZVjfG6...graphy+055.JPG

Camera: Canon EOS 550D (Kiss X4, Rebel T2i)
Shutter speed: 1"6
Aperture: 4.0
ISO: 160

[Henry Wilt]

This is a type of shot that I have been trying to get as well (with very little success so far) so I will be interested to hear what the experts say.
My impression of the shot is that it has some very interesting points like the reflections, the light trails, the skyline etc. but my eyes keep roaming looking for a place to rest, i.e. a main focal point. That might be made easier with a crop so it adheres to the rule of thirds, I don't know. I think it could probably do with some sharpening also, it seems a bit hazy, particularly on the right hand side.
Now I'll wait with you to see what the people who know what they're talking about say.

[Michael Cheung]

I agree with Henry; my eyes can't find a main focal point. This is partly because the horizon is smack in the middle of the photo. Those reflections are interesting - maybe next time try composing the shot so the water takes up more of the photo.

Also, the light trails aren't really noticeable. You might want to try slapping a ND filter on so you can get some longer exposures.

[Ennor]

agree with the previous points. There is no focal point, and there is too much sky, as Micheal Cheung said in the previous comment, the horizon is in the middle of the image. In addition the image particularly the sky is 'noisy' from the haze. Suggest that you 1) crop the image with the view to removing some of the sky, keep in mind the 'rule of thirds', doing this may give a 'focal' point as well. 2) tweak the levels and curves to enhance the contrast and deeepen the colours slightly, 3) 'Sharpen the image then reduce the noise by running it through a noise reduction program

[Siser]

I'm not really original but I agree with the comments above.

Too much sky that does not say anything, and the light trails can not realy be noticed.

The water reflections are prety cool. Try focusing on something special next time.