Have you tried using your camera in RAW mode? I started doing that and it made a huge difference when I took a picture after the sun went down and then processed it in Photoshop. When I get a chance I will upload a before and after shot. It was amazing.
Also, Photoshop does seem overwhelming but if you take a class or go through a training workbook you will see that a lot of basic functions are really easy. Then you can find tons of tutorials online and in other books that will give you more knowledge and skill.
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