hey, im also a nikon D90 user.. but im very new.. i have some questions for you.. not sure if u could help me out here?

Q1: is the metering on default mode? can we really adjust it? under what circumstances should we adjust it?

Q2: frm ur picture, u mentioned ISO: 1EV under 200 = does this mean +1EV?

Q3: u meantioned "filter = no" - may i know what is this?

Q4: wonder if i can be able to take these sort of pictures with the original lens? cos i just bought this camera.. wanting to learn the basics first..

hope u can help!! thanks!!

btw, im referring to your 2nd picture.. it's GREAT...!!

Congrats on getting the D90  . I use that one too.  Wah ... so many questions.  I try to answers all. 

Q1 - Yes. I use the default which is "matrix" metering most of the time. You can change to spot metering or center weight metering. You can leave it at matrix most of the time and it will be fine. When to change? You can change anytime you like. Best to read up and understand what the different metering mode do, then you will know better when one is more appropriate than the other.

Q2 - The D90 does not have ISO 100. Lowest it goes is ISO 200. To go lower, they have this -1EV. Probably because when you push it lower, the sensor output will be degraded (I think ... less dynamic range?)  .

EV = Exposure Value. I also blur blur and dun know everything. Can read more here (wikipedia).

Q3 - No filter meaning I remove the Hoya skylight filter that I have on my lens. Sometimes when you take pic of bright lights, the light is reflected from lens back towards the filter and then back again into the lens and sensor resulting in flares. So I removed the filter to prevent this. Got some flares/ghosting in the second pic. 

Q4 - The original D90 lens? That be the 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens? That be one excellent lens. Very very sharp. Definitely can take these light trail pics. If you want to learn the basics, this lens will do just fine. 

If you have lots of questions, better post it here. A lot more people visit this thread than the gallery thread. So more people will be able to help you.

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Added on September 29, 2009, 8:47 pm

For nice light trial pics, should target roads with massive traffic jams.  Then gerenti get nice light trails. In KL ...massive jams should be easy to find..