Washington Monument PP help

[arne saknussen]

I did some PP in PSCS5 to help the exposure in this shot. I will post the original (if there is an interest) later, since I would like reactions to this shot based on what you see on this version. I do understand that it is cut off at the bottom, I am concentrating on improving the exposure.

[n8]

I'd be curious to see the sooc. CS5 does some really good hdr stuff that doesn't look it at all. I'd say this would be a strong candidate.

[arne saknussen]

Here's the original. I wanted to find something original in such a well known subject, but the schedule and prior bad weather made my time short. I decided on shots using the sun behind, knowing I would have to correct the exposure in PP. I am very new to the subject of HDR, so this is not an HDR. If I had more time I would have loved to shoot a series that I could use the HDR process.
So, the question is: is the 1st shot at least an improvement and what else could done to further improve the shot in PP?

[armando_m]

The first one is certainly an improvement I only think the dark blue shades at the bottom should be prevented

[arne saknussen]

Dang, missed that too. Thanks.