Question about shooting skylines

[Fotografer]

So, I'm having issues shooting the NYC skyline. I recently moved across the Hudson, and have a perfect view of the length of Manhattan. Issue is, I'm new to my DSLR and there's a little bit of light flooding behind me. I'm also not sure why the lights of the city almost make me dizzy to look at. I'm using a heavy tripod, so it's not a lack of a steady surface...</p>
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<p>Disregard the awful pictures/set up below... It's just an example of what I'm having issues with. </p>
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<p><img src="http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz245/kachung12/DSC_0010-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
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<p><img src="http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz245/kachung12/DSC_0039.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
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<p>Any help would be grateful! I've tried under exposing, over exposing and changing the F/stop. I'm sure it's an easy fix, but I thought I'd ask!</p>
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<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>&n