Hi Brad, Firstly agree the mono treatment is best and works. However there are a few suggestions I can make. These are only my opinion and maybe totally crackers.
1. The total black at the bottom needs to be lighter so the viewer can appreciate the texture and detail in the rocks.
2. The sun is blow the horizon line of the sea at the back so doesnt look real. In my mock up attached I selected the sun and the rocks and with WARP transform moved the sun up into just above the horizon.
3. The sky has drama in it but its not showing. With curves I increased the contract in the sky and with selective masking brought out bits of the surf in front of the rocks.
See what you think in my mock up attached.   Posted: 12/02/2024 15:47:27

Last week the PSA sponsored a webinar by Cole Thompson who discussed his vision of black and black and white photography. Most of his photos had little to no detail in either the black or the white. Cole might suggest keeping the blacks black and making the foam whiter. His web site is worth a visit not just for his photos but for his narrative. I think you'll agree that the sun belongs above the horizon unless this is a reflection.   Posted: 12/02/2024 22:40:02

I love seascapes like this, Brad. Even though I'm still new with this group, I am already thinking about how I can take my images like this one to the next level. Good suggestions by Brad and Alan already. I personally struggle with Black and White, but it's true that more contrast is usually better. I do enjoy the shapes you combined with the cloud structure. And the rocks make sort of a semi-circle which is appealing to the eye. There's a lot to look at, nice captures!   Posted: 12/05/2024 11:36:58

Here's another version I did with a different feel   Posted: 12/07/2024 05:18:56

Brad, the image seems to have endless possibilities! I fell in love with the latest one with the soft foamy water and, what I think is a star fallen from one of the trails. I wonder what the background rocks would look like in full silhouette?   Posted: 12/07/2024 10:51:25

Hi Brad,
What a stunning final image you've masterfully created! I really like how the rock forms a semicircle, guiding the viewer's attention and creating a strong focal point.

I agree with the comments about the sun's position and the brightness in certain areas-adjusting these could help balance the luminosity across the entire image. The black-and-white conversion works beautifully here, as it removes color distractions and brings cohesion to the composition.

Great work!   Posted: 12/19/2024 10:31:09