Bustling Little Italy at Night

[NeonSD]

Hey all, one of my fav pics from my second round of shooting with my new camera.

Please let me know your thoughts on the image. I like the image, but I feel it could probably be done a little better. To me the exposure might be a little high. I would like to know if there is a possible technique to capture night shots where the light sources don't bleed so much but just shine. Is this done through the use of filters or just playing with the iso, shutter and exposure more?

Thanks for the input!

Image data:
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Exposure: 3.2
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 29 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[wal]

Use a smaller aperture, F13 for example and longer shutter speed. You'll get a glittering effect on the lights.

[dcclark]

Agreed, try a smaller aperture -- the lights will become little stars, which is a nice effect as well.

While I actually think that the scene is fairly well exposed, the composition is lacking a focal point -- something to catch (and keep) the eye. What were you shooting for?

[NeonSD]

When I started taking the pictures to get a better understanding of shared relationship between iso, aperature and shutter speed, my initial focus was on the cool lighting of the building to the far upper left. Then it drifted to into seeing how the exposure captures the blur of vehicles as they moved on their merry way. In examining this photo, I recall really wanting to make the lights on the hotel across the way less bleeding so I could make out the Hotel name.

Thanks for the advice!