How-to video I made to teach photogs three methods to create HDR images:
End results below…
Photoshop (quick, relatively automatic):
Using the shadow/highlights tool in Photoshop, Version 1:
Using the shadow/highlights tool in Photoshop, Version 2:
Photomatix:
Nice shot! I too am getting a tad obesessd with HDR which involves not only the money you mention, but also is a real time sink. But it is worth it for shots like you produce!