sid, i like the fact you get planes in your shots!!!
and that one from Xmetal..Very nice indeed...one of my flickr mates does these and he's our local king..30mins-1hr is not uncommon for these!!!
OK, for those of you wanting do try these night shots here are a few pointers..
1: use full batteries, nothing worse than sitting waiting for the shot and 2mins later you hear the lens shut!!!
2: Use Bulb...get a cord from e-blah or even a local camera store..there cheap.
3: get a tripod!! doesn't have to be $$$ (i use an Optex..cheap)
4: use some foreground object..if you can...
5: if you do find some foreground object..take a spotlight if your not close...damn hard to focus when its dark as!!!
6: some people do a test shot using high ISO and calculate the time of low iso shots..(i just shoot).
7: Gels, these are theatrical cellophane that you put over your flash head or torch (they dont wrinkle much) to then colour the object to highlight a usually boring bdlg.
try a PA/dj hire place, anyone who rents lights etc..(i got mine from a lamp replacement shop). and just play!!!
you probably already know these things, but some may not...meh..
recent gel shot...
edit: sid..i use a standard kit lens 18-50..if you play with you White Balance settings any fluros or street lights willcolour the obect in different light...play a bit!
this is what you get when setting for Tungsten when its actually the top flash instead...(the blue is the colour change instead if white)