Mooloolaba Australia

[Arilpa]

Canon EOS 500D
ISO 200
Aperture F5.6
Exposure 15 sec.
Focal Length 55mm

This is my first attempt at night photography. I only have a 18-55mm lens.
My question is more about the composition, I realise that with only the one lens and being so far away from the lights that it isn't the greatest photo but do you think that the tree on the right adds interest to the view or spoils the whole effect? Also can anyone explain why there are diagonal line projecting from some of the lights and not others, do these lines also add interest or should I use a different setting to eliminate them in future.
Thankyou for looking, I am only new to this so any help is very much apprieciated.

[Nicole Hanna]

I actually noticed the lens flare (or lines through the lights) first and actually really like that effect, though I reckon that's going to be a matter of strong opinion for most. I know during daylight photography, using a lens hood will reduce flare, but at night... I have no idea how to prevent it. I'm new at this myself. From what I've read, though, a hood might help with night photography as well if this is an effect you're trying to avoid.

As for the tree, either on the right or left side of the frame, I find it a huge distraction. If you could see the entire tree, down to the base, and the tree became the focal, then it might work, but compositionally, for me, it's just fighting for attention with the cityscape in the background. I realize without a better zoom, maybe a 200mm focal length, you might find it hard to avoid the tree and maintain a crisp image, so I understand why you ended up with this particular photo, but the trees don't really work for me this time around... I'm just way too attracted to that horizon which is being blocked by the tree for half the frame. Still, I enjoy it. I haven't braved night time photography yet, getting a tripod next month. Good start, I say.

[wal]

The trees do not add anything to the pic..only distraction..If it had a distinctive shape/ pattern.. ermm .. probably might have made the scene interesting.

Those lines.. were you using a filter..? try to remove it. ..

[milosh]

I agree that trees do not add anything to the image, the one on the right is rather distracting. If you want to shoot large subjects (like the whole city), I suggest you try to find a better spot where you'll be closer to it so that your photo contains more distinctive objects. For example, being on that pier down there would perhaps be a good position, with city lights reflecting in the water, if your lens is long enough.

[Krusty79]

I only have an 18-55 also. I've given up on this type of shot until I get a telephoto. It looks like there's a nice scene there, but it's too far away.

I agree with the previous comments about too much of the tree. A few branches are okay if they help frame your shot, but I don't think the branches are really framing the shot and there are too many of them.

You should also try to keep your horizons level. If you are using a UV filter, I would try taking it off to see if the diagonal lines and spots in the sky go away.

[Arilpa]

Thanks everyone for their comments. I think I need to put a bit more thought into my shots.
I didn't realise about the UV filter being the cause of the diagonal lines so I have learnt something today,
thanks again, I'm at the start of an exciting new hobby where I obviously have lots to learn but it is a great comfort to know the members of this forum are willing to help.