[quote=X-tackleman I spent so much time making a couple signs, a fire hydrant and some orange construction cones "disappear". that I've had enough of church for awhile.

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I had signs appearing and yours disappear. Hmmmmm. Still something eerie going on. I have always wanted to go back during one of those wonderful post/dusk blue lights. Nice job.

I'm thinking now, that dusk might be a better time. There was too much contrast in this shot. I'm not sure if earlier would help or not. I guess there is just one way to find out.

Having a bit of color in the sky makes for a much nicer shot IMHO, especially with a single building. I see you have a hot pixel or two as well.

Yep. I really didn't want a solid black sky, but I didn't really want to blow the highlights either. Next time I'll shoot RAW and see if that helps.

Shooting RAW would not matter here. What I meant by color in the sky is that you shoot earlier, when there is some light left in the sky, dusk, sunset, twilight as Birdsong mentioned. Though I was able to pull some blue out of the sky in your shot.

I was just thinking that shooting in RAW might allow me a stop or 2 more latitude. Actually, due to the full moon, there was a hint of color in the sky, but I had to choose between the sky or the bright areas lit up by the lights. Is there any better settings I could have used to keep detail in the highlights and not burn the sky, other than shooting at a better time?

Yes RAW will give you a bit more latitude. But you could do either of these two. Take two shots, one for the sky and one for the subject. Combine the two in Elements and mask out either the sky or foreground.

Or just duplicate your background layer and change its blend mode to screen. Adjust your opacity of that layer to your taste.

Please don't get me wrong X, I like your shot. Just giving you some ideas you might want to try next time out

As long as you don't critique my birds, you're cool.

Seriously, this is something totally new to me so I welcome your advice. Thanks. I do appreciate it.

Good job X!

Awfully impressive for a first attempt!

There is an article in the Marshall Independent today about this very church. They are celebrating their 125th Anniversary this weekend.

Good timing, X!

That was the whole idea. I'll find out Sunday if my efforts were worth it.

Nice shot Mike!

It sure is a nice shot.Lots to learn taking pictures.

X, I like the shot looks good to me, even with the wacked out WB. j/k.