Hi, You might like to try a low cost HDR technique other than software which is called the black card/cloth method.Search CS member
Scintillation in the landscape section for examples of blackcloth in page19.
Hanjié's Blog: Black card photography Part I
Hanjié's Blog: Black Card Photography II - Fireworks
http://icelandaurora.com/blog/2010/07/20/tonys-magic-cloth-technitechnique/
I like to thank Da an for asking the question because comments from Hanjia's blog about HDR software output does not look photographically real
made me realise the special quality of natural light as compared to manmade artificial light like an electronic flash,the intensity of flash makes for
a harsh picture but natural light's intensity is just only bright.I see the light now.