Looking for some feedback on the photo. What do you like, what don't you like? I always feel as if the photos in my head are always better than what I produce.
With the first one I would reduce the bottom black area by about half.
Second image looks OK although the sea looks a bit 'harsh' as though it has been excessively sharpened. But sometimes the light angle can produce similar effects.
Be careful if you do attempt to brighten the shadows. This can produce weaker muddy looking colours, in which case I would leave things as they are now.