First HDR attempt - need advice

I am attempting to learn how to do HDR photos with GIMP. I am following the tutorial at http://www.instructabl​es.com/id/HDR-photos-with-the-GIMP/. While I think I am somewhat getting it, the final image doesn't really look as I expected. I would have though the sky would have been darker and more clear. The final image and the three photos I used to make it are below. Any advice would be appreciated.

Final Image:

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hmmm, well i think you should try taking the photos of different subjects, things that are metallic and things in the city make much better HDR photos IMO

those images are fine..what are you using GIMP? download photomatix and use the trial, then just edit out the names it leaves. What your image lacks is the wide range of tone mapping photomatix offers...Its hard to help someone learn to tone map you have to play and learn, took me about 3-4 days to get it right

http://www.betterphoto​.com …wNumber=8&membe​rID=216346

This one is a finalist (388 finalists out of 39021)
Taken at sunrise...It was NOT as light out as it seems
http://www.betterphoto​.com …Number=11&membe​rID=216346

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to give photomatic a try.

Agreed on photomatix.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

I am like you just started trying HDR today, I used Photomatix, and I think even a dummy like me could have nice results with alittle practice. I started a thread before I saw yours, so take a look, the program is free....