James:

I really like this shot. Lacking the skill and knowledge most users on this forum possess, I usually just use the criteria Roman posted to analyze the pictures folks put up for my own educational benefit. But, since not a lot of folks have come forward to venture their opinion AND since you asked, here's my 2 cents worth.

Composition/use of frame space –Initially I was fine with the horizon line in the center of the frame, even though the general rule of thumb would place it low in the frame to highlight the colors in the sky or high in the frame to highlight the shapes of the buildings in the foreground. But, after reading Durwood’s and Randall’s comments, I cropped it by covering the bottom quarter of the image and I agree with them.

I also think it would have worked better still if the shapes directly in front of the sun were a little more recognizable. The contrast of the pointy versus boxy shapes of the buildings just to the left juxtaposed with the round sun would have added some additional interest for me. Of course, if those are interesting trees in front of the sun, you’re right; a longer lens would have helped capture them better.

Colors/White Balance - I love the colors on this shot.

Exposure - Now here’s a real challenge. For the most part, I think this shot is correctly underexposed. Less light and maybe you capture more detail of what is in front of the sun, but the colors get darker and you risk losing some shades. Any more light and you probably blow out everything in proximity to the sun. Plus, you probably pick up unwanted details in the foreground. If you didn’t already, this would be a good one to bracket exposures and combine.

Creative use of Aperture/Shutter – Depth of focus and motion not an issue here.

Perspective – James, I think you are correct. A longer lens would have given you a bigger sun and more details on the trees in front of it.

Emotion - I think this photograph does a good job evoking emotion. Maybe it is the shape of that one building, but I was transported to Istanbul where I heard the muezzin calls to evening prayer from the minaret.

Forethought/Visualization – You obviously gave a lot of thought to this shot and I think it paid off well for you.

Post processing – I agree, get rid of the helicopter/plane.