How can we make this picture better?

[SensePhoto]

We have a bar here in Erie called Rum Runners and its right on the lake. Stopped there after a day of shooting and had my slr with me so snapped this pic.

Not happy with the image, anyone got any tips to make this better? If anyone is up for a challange i can post a RAW. What i did with was generate 2 more shots from a RAW -2/+2 and tonemapped it in photomatix.



Lake Erie by Sense Photo, on Flickr

 

[480sparky44 44]

The first thing I do with night shots lit with high-pressure sodium lights is to change the color of 'em from that sickly puke yellow to a more pleasing white.

 

[Buckster]

That little bit of dock walkway and the dock poles in the foreground are doing nothing for me, personally. I'd start by re-shooting it, without them in the shot.

Feature more of the interesting building and lights to the left with the reflections - they look a little overexposed on this one, so keep a handle on that.

Start shooting the moment the sun dips below the horizon, and stop when it's dark, then find the one that's best. Do this preferably when there are some clouds in the sky, as they will help add drama and interest to the colors in the sky and their respective reflections in the water.

 

[SensePhoto]

That little bit of dock walkway and the dock poles in the foreground are doing nothing for me, personally. I'd start by re-shooting it, without them in the shot.

Feature more of the interesting building and lights to the left with the reflections - they look a little overexposed on this one, so keep a handle on that.

Start shooting the moment the sun dips below the horizon, and stop when it's dark, then find the one that's best. Do this preferably when there are some clouds in the sky, as they will help add drama and interest to the colors in the sky and their respective reflections in the water.

I agree dock poles is what ruines it for sure, thought maybe i could salvage it somehow but prob not.