Thank ttops and biker. Biker... I wanted the scene to contrast a little with the challenge title. Yet even a baby hawk has a beginning. So yes I wanted a darker mood (it's a night scene) but I definitely don't want a "technically" dark image. That's one thing I've noticed, on my new computer the images do look alot brighter and more crisp. I always just assumed my internet surfing PC (five year old monitor) was the culprit so never really paid it much attention. Favor to ask.. if the picture is just TOO dark could someone run it thru an editing software (like photoshop) and bring it up to acceptable levels for their monitor. I want to see the difference it makes when viewed on my monitor here. Thanks for your input.