Hi Cameron,
The documentary photographer in me usually likes to include more in a photo rather than less, but there are times when less is definitely more.
The bright warm colours in this photograph are all very seductive but they do not offer much by way of interest and content. The other problem that you have with this photo is that there is a lot of empty depth between the horizon and the foreground. In all, it is just another sunset at the beach.
What is interesting in this photograph though, is the people in the foreground. You have the adults in the centre of the frame enjoying the moment and then you have the kids on the left.
Now, if it was me I would have made this photograph by getting down lower. That would put the people closer to the horizon line with the boats in the background. It would also help eliminate the empty space and this would help keep the interesting elements (the people and those boats in the background) together.
If you want to improve this photo, I would just simply crop the picture to eliminate the background. I think that makes the photograph stronger and more interesting. We know that these people are at a beach and by cropping in on them we can appreciate the moment more.
Cheers,
Anthony
Image Doctor's edited version
