Improving dark/dusk sky in cityscape photos

osumisan

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I have been experimenting with shooting cityscape photos in my hometown just after sundown. Without using HDR software, I am trying to get the best exposure I can with my D700 and my 17-55mm f/2.8 lens.

Below is an example of a shot that I like, but don't love due to the noise in the darker parts of the upper sky and the the car in the foreground/left. These portions of the photo were underexposed and shows either noise or stripping depending how much luminance adjustment I make in lightroom3. The photo is shot at ISO100, f/22, 20-second exposure shot on a tripod and manual exposure.

$DSC_0496-Edit-L.jpg

I am wondering if I need to up the ISO to pick up the darker shades in the shadows and sky? But would this overexpose the neon lights and headlights of cars that make the photo work? This is one of my better photos, I have many others that the sky just isn't turning out the way I want because it's too dark and artifacts too much.

Thanks in advance
 

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