Here's another small tip, GRS. If your pic is a bit too dark, or light, you can use the Image > Adjustments > Curves tool.
Using that tool, I lightened one of your pics up a bit. Keep in mind, your pics look fantastic as they are, but I thought I'd just share this bit of info with you in case you ever wanted to use it.
Your pic from your franchise:
I went through the same steps that you did, but took the pic and just lightened it up a bit with the Curves tool:
Anyway, again, I love what you're doing with this, and it sounds like you're really getting into PS. This example may be a preference thing, everyone sees everything a bit different, but if you ever want to share tips, etc., give me a shout.