Atlanta Skyline

On Cinco de Mayo several of the companies at my conference hosted parties around the city.  They were basically trying to impress us in hopes of getting a few military engineers to jump ship and move over to the civilian world.  The night was unreal as I visited about 6 different bars with live bands, open bars, amazing menus including tuna sashimi, filet, etc. and breathtaking views.  The two pictures below were from the rooftop bar (Vandana's) at the Hilton Garden Inn.  The people at the Hilton were kind enough to allow me up on the roof last night so that I could take some pictures by myself.  

This picture was taken just as the sun was setting behind me.  I was about 15 stories up, just above the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.  I was actually inside the bar and I used my polarizing filter to cut through the reflections in the glass.

I was so excited about this picture.  I have read many, many times in books from Scott Kelby and Bryan Peterson about taking pictures about a half hour after sunset.  This is the first time I've ever been able to practice the effect.  I set up my camera and tripod and framed the shot, then waited for the sky to go dark.  It was actually nearly black out but there was just enough light let for me to get this brilliant shade of blue over a 13 second exposure.  I kept the camera at ISO 200 to reduce the effect of noise and I was at an aperture of 11.  I also used a remote release to ensure the camera moved as little as possible.  I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out!