My newbie night shots

[altezza87]

Tried posting few days ago but due to some error i can't, now trying again. Hope you guys can guide me on improving my photos. The pictures are taken last december 1 week before christmas. Saw most of the photos posted in this section of the forum and read up some guides and went out to shoot.
Using Canon 500D with 18-55 kit lens. M mode.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

 

[altezza87]

#6

#7

#8

#9

 

[altezza87]

New ones taken on new year day at henderson wave and mount faber. M mode.

#10

#11

#12

 

[kohanson]

these are really nice shots. I prefer to view them at a larger size.

Your photos are sharp and clear, did you do any post processing?

2. The horizon seems to be too low. You might want to shift it up as I always follow the rule of thirds. Divide the screen into 3 parts equally, horizontally and vertically. Place one of the horizon on the horizontal lines.

 

[altezza87]

these are really nice shots. I prefer to view them at a larger size.

Your photos are sharp and clear, did you do any post processing?

2. The horizon seems to be too low. You might want to shift it up as I always follow the rule of thirds. Divide the screen into 3 parts equally, horizontally and vertically. Place one of the horizon on the horizontal lines.

i only try to reduce the high exposures of the lights and did some cropping. else nothing done to sharpness.
my first time using flickr so unsure of the size of the pictures coming up here.

will take note of the rule of thirds. trying follow it as i go along. still working hard to improve my composition.

 

[deepanshus]

i find your #7 slightly over exposed. I am attaching a shot which i took probably from the same place

Would love if anyone could comment

 

[altezza87]

yup, didn't realise until i transferred into my computer. but my first time taking. will try to take note in future. i took those picture at low aperture, i think next time i should use higher aperture for a full clear picture.

looks like your exposure timing is quite short thou. The details of the lightings are out, but esplanade building at the back is quite dark.

 

[deepanshus]

yeah the exposure was short to avoid blurring from the lights
Exposure Time = 1/3"
F Number = F8
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Metering Mode = Pattern
Focal Length = 32mm
Exposure Mode = Auto exposure
White Balance = Auto white balance

esplanade is dark ofcourse, its not the one i was trying to capture...right