Took this picture in mid-morning sun this summer. I think I had a polarizer. This is a 3 frames HDR (Handheld, tourist type!!). I did clone the fence in Photoshop.
Is the comp ok? Is there too much sky? PLease let me know.
Nikon D200 with Nikkor 18-200mm @ 43mm
Iso 400
f/11
1/320 s, 1/640 s, 1/1250 s
A classic view of this lighthouse (have been there myself). Comp works well with its placement between the trees. Sky is as much as it needs to be. Good details in the rocks thanks to the HDR. I would process the whites to a lower level as they draw the eye too much know. As I can see detail, try Shadow/Highlight in PS, or selecting the whites on a BG copy and changing blending to multiply.
Nice composition! Agree that the whites in the lighthouse are a little to bright. Robert's suggestions should help you bring back some detail in the whites.
I like it. The whites have been covered. The foreground rocks seem soft? muddy? I don't know. Something doesn't look quite right.
You might give this a try.
If they aren't already make Channels visible.
Command click on the RGB channel. You should get some marching ants.
Option click on the Yin / Yang symbol and while holding the option key down click on curves.
Grab the curve about the midpoint and slowly drag it down. The whites should tone down and the foreground should see a boost in contrast.
I wish I could post the Midtone Contrast action that I got from Mac Holbert (he approved disseminating it as long as he received credit). It's a nice way to finish off an image. The effect is subtle but effective.