Wollaton Hall by xwang

I don't know if this is of any use (or you are doing all of this already), but it's from Corel's reviewers Guide. I don't use PSP so can't offer any practical advice I'm affraid.

"The Chromatic Aberration Removal Filter eliminates the colored glow that often appears in the high-contrast areas of digital photos.
To use this filter choose Adjust > Photo Fix > Chromatic Aberration.
Note: It's critical in using this dialog that the preview windows are shown. Make sure the Show/Hide Previews button is active. Use the Zoom in, Zoom out, or navigate buttons to zero in on the problem area. In the left preview window define the range by dragging the cursor to enclose problem area(s). Mark the Show
Differences check box to show which image areas will be affected. The affected areas will appear in the right preview window as white areas on black. The brighter (whiter) the area, the higher the degree of correction that will be applied. Note: If Show Differences is marked, click the Auto Proof or the Proof button to
preview the results on the image itself. Set the Radius (located to the left of the List of Samples area). The default value is 10. Usually values in the range of 4 to 20 produce the most acceptable results.
Mark the Result on New Layer box if you would like to automatically create a new raster layer and protect your original. Click OK to apply the corrections."

Wollaton Hall by xwang

It is a rather dull and flat image. Once you've put the 3 images together and tone mapped it, go into levels or curves (depending on your preference) and adjust the settings to improve the contrast.

Also, you need to sort out the verticals as they are leaning inwards at the edges of the image (most notably the outside edges of the towers). There is a touch of chromatic aberation as well on the edges of the building. This is thin cyan lines down the left sides and red down the right and is more noticable on the left tower and tree. This is caused by the lens when a dark area in the image meets a light area. Some lenses cope better than others with avoiding it.

The verticals and CA can be sorted using the lens correction filter in Photoshop (if you have a version of PS with that filter) Filters>Distort>Lens Correction. If you don't have lens correction then there are tutorials on Epz that address all these issues.

You want WHAT???? by MrsS

Hi Fran,

This is a good close-up with the face being sharp and there is lots of detail present. The background is well blurred and a good complimentary colour. I feel though that there could be more detail in the eyes. A spot of fill flash, or a bit of time in PS would bring them out more, especially the one on the left.

Masts on the Hudson by estrawser

I think the 2 main elements of this image are the Empire State and the catarmaran. Unfortunately the catarmaran has been chopped off on 3 sides. Move a fraction to the right and shoot it portrait format to include all of the boat. You will then have the catarmaran's mast mirroring the Empire State. Keep it mono if there are too many distracting colours fighting for attention.

glass blowing by wayne1984

As previously said, the image is way too dark, but that Dave may have taken it a bit too far. As you said, a happy medium is required. I feel though that it is only the glass worker, his chair and bench of tools behind him need lightening. The people stood in the background can remain dark so that they don't act as a distraction and help maintain the feel of gloomy surroundings.