Abandoned building with a light on.

[geckojoe17]

I've just started taking pictures this month. I could use some pointers on composition, lighting, everything. These pictures were taken with a Nikon D-90 w/ a 18-105mm Nikon lens. No filters. It was after dark. I used the "P" setting on the camera. I also used the timer to prevent blurring because I don't have a remote. All the pictures I took last night are on Picasa. Picasa Web Albums - Joe - 2009-08-29 My best guess is that I need to go back earlier in the evening when I can get a picture that will make the outside look good without overexposing the light from inside.

[sk66]

Best time for these types of shots is often right after sunset when the amount of light in the sky is equal to or a little less than the illumination level of the artificial lighting.

[geckojoe17]

Thanks. I took off work this week and had planned to go back for more pictures with the intent of staying from sunrise to sunset. But the 18-105mm lens on my camera broke. Because it was a package deal, they are making me send the camera and the lens back. So, I'm out of comission for a few weeks probably. I'll definitely go back at sunset.

[rpcrowe]

I don't know if Picassa has the capability but, if it can merge individual images into an HDR composite then that may be the way to go. Shoot three images with 2-stop exposure variances and combine them into a single image.