HDR help please

OK - I've finally figured out how to take the 3 pics - woohoo.

No, I've loaded them into photomatrix and combined them (after having to upload a Vista patch - grrrr!), so I've saved the picture - it looks 'grainy'. I've gone to 'tone-mapping' and have tried moving the various sliders but can't seem to produce anything I like.

So

1. What has caused the 'graininess' - I took the pics as -2, 0 and +2 - would this make a difference?
2. What do the different sliders actually do - Are some more important than others?

Maybe it's just my rubbish pics

TIA

Here's what I have so far:

I know the reflections in and dirt on the brass surround are distracting too.

Steph, there is not enough dynamic range in this shot hun. thats why its not producing what you want

The grain your seeing is "noise", a side effect from the proccess. HDR is designed to bring out more detail in shadows and highlights, in doing this it brings out the grain too. This can be corrected by using specific software

Thanks for that.

So I need to get outside and ... what should I be looking for?

Look for anything tht has lots of shadows and highlights Buildings and details are very good for HDR

Right I'll be off then

Actually better wait until tomorrow I think - it's a bit chilly for me now

BTW Thanks

Yeah its getting cold out now!

Did you manage to get out today Steph??

Not today - did try to take some tonight but the light wasn't right. Will try harder tomorrow - I promise