I hope I don't get banned from this Forum because of this..(I Mean posting non-HDR shots in a HDR Forum).... 
Anyway, I'll still be stuck with the noise problem next time I try HDR.
Oh, that's done it now, we'll pull your finger nails out
and soak your hands in hot sauce! How dare you post
non HDR shots! ... Ha ha Just kidding ! Nice picture,
I don't think it's dark at all, imagine that shot blown
up to 24" X 36 and framed, it'd be simply epic.
There is nothing wrong with dark if that is the mood of
the picture.
Dark picture of a clown at a circus, is not cool.

clown are bright and cheery, well unless you are going for
something sinister.

Keep working on the HDR, it'll come around,
we're all still learing, and reember it's supposed
to be..... FUN!

Peace!
