Good idea re the polariser, will use one next time. Was caught up in the process of rendering the water blurry (which I thought would make stitching easier, and to me looks nice) and lost sight of how those ripples could overpower the image. I could have a go at darkening the reflections, but to me the blurred water adds to the shot.

Yes, I tried a square crop, but ended up with the bridge too central. I think your portrait crop works much better, and I like what you've done with the color of the foliage at the top of the shot. Thanks very much!

Well, I attempted a stitched pano shot to capture a wider scene than my DA15mm could manage. Unfortunately I feel I haven't left enough space for a decent crop - to me it needs more space on the right hand side of the aqueduct. I'll put that down to the ND filter which made it hard to see what I was doing

Any ideas for crops, or is it a case of go back and try again? Any other observations to bear in mind for when I do go back?

Sounds like we need to start marketing our lamb to the Chinese

Well, he looks far from chuffed though Barrie! But well done

As far as I'm concerned, there is no site competitive to this one, John!

Good thing that the sites linked to above are competitive to this one, as they are not Pentax specific. When discussion goes 'off topic' regarding other marques etc, we are quickly reminded that if we want to discuss such things, other sites are available. So we ought to be able to discuss which of these sites we like to visit....

I like following (part-time Pentax user) Shutterfinger's blog, I just like his take on photography - and the perils of 'gear worship'

http://shutterfinger.typepad.com/shutterfinger/2011/09/i-just-contracted-dgad-sy...

You've hit a similar high standard IMHO. I love the night shots with the turret on the foreground, and the shot of the Spanish lady against the blue wall.

I would probably just try the kit lens, and maybe the 28mm as well if you've time to experiment. I would definitely shoot Raw, and sort WB out later. Maybe select 'Daylight' as a starting point.

I would try and use 100ISO to start, and f5.6 or f8. Let the camera work out the exposure then adjust if needed. If the banding isn't as distinct as you like, you can then start reducing the exposure time by increasing ISO/aperture. I'm assuming the lights will be there for a while, not fleetingly, so you'll have chance to get things how you want them?

Perhaps Gwyn could give you better advice, after her recent trip to see the Northern Lights...

Wow you lucky thing!!!