The problem is, as Im am sure you've noticed, when dealing with somewhat lower light situations is grain. The trick is modifying the image, yet reducing the grain.
If I only knew....IM really just messing with different things trying to make it look better as in more color to the dead back ground and what not
If you are trying to reproduce accurate colors and not trying to go for some type of photographic effect, you might want to try to download Adobe Lightroom. Right now its in Beta and a free download. I find it really nice for just "developing" digital prints...
the trick is to use subtle increases... just try a bit less. of course, unless you're going for surreal. otherwise, tweak until just noticeable.