Quote Originally Posted by bardinjw
The highlights are gray, instead of bright, which is why it looks dull

That made a huge difference! I've got the raw somewhere and will dig it out. I tried playing with the contrast before, but ended up even darker and the brightness made it just look more like a midday shot. Am I ate up with him being put on the right side instead of the left? I'm not trying for any prizes but would like to know for future references.