I took that shot going into KSMO. some places vary depending on atmospheric moisture that causes the halo. aircraft windows themselves also cause the halo'ing. bleary eyes from flying at night with eyes adjusted for darkness also can, as may smudgey glasses. what's funny is that everyone has a different opinion of what those should look like. this picture was with a kodak instant digital camera. stabilized on the glareshield of my 150. no special exposure adjustments other than what it automatically did on it's own.
as long as you like the view, that's what's important right.
I think a camera mounted externally, or up in free air, properly focused, properly exposed, those may look smaller and finer. I've held onto that picture all these years because it was just as I saw it on a stablized VOR let down. A rare sight into KSMO, to have smooth trauma free air, without air traffic congestion or rush. and a somewhat serene view of the approach. being after hours, tower closed. approach control, airport in sight, closed ifr flight plan, switch to smo ctaf.