Nice Image of Chicago Cityscape, Howard. The contrast between the water and the lighted buildings is beautiful. I am thinking that this was taken during the blue hour. Perhaps if taken a few minutes later, there might be a darker sky with more contrast with the buildings. I like the highlights in the water, but again it might be a richer effect if overall the water was slightly darker. I like the placement of the horizontal shoreline in the space. It feels balanced. The starbursts are nice and you managed to get them at f/8….perhaps aided by Photomatix? Very pleasing overall.   Posted: 10/20/2025 03:53:00

Howard, What makes this stand out is how evenly you've balanced the artificial and natural light. A beautifully balanced cityscape where the subtle HDR work preserves both highlight detail and shadow depth without appearing artificial. The calm water contrasts nicely with the sharp geometry of the skyline, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere.   Posted: 10/24/2025 05:04:09