Excellent photograph.
I’m glad to hear you’ve made the decision to go with a grad filter. They are truly a joy to work with aren’t they? They can create some stunningly masterful pieces as seen in your photograph above.
I would like to start by congratulating you on a truly great photograph. Your composition and arrangement is very well thought out. The problem with many seascape shots is that although the sea, and the sky above it are often beautiful, they lack shape and angles. The most interesting line in a seascape photograph is usually the horizon line where the colors start to change colors and you see an interesting atmospheric component.
However, even with interesting waves or cloud formations, these photographs are often skimmed over due to their lack of interesting objects and formations. However, this isn’t the case in your photograph. You’ve used one of the best tricks to add life to your seascape: A foreground. Not only that, but your foreground choice is extremely interesting. The angles of the rocks help disrupt the balanced flow of the water and their arrangement create triangular shapes which is considered one of the more interesting shape designs in photography.
Your use of a slow shutter speed is also very well done. However, the effect is usually not that interesting if the rest of composition is poor. This is not the case in your photograph. You have great composition and the slow shutter water effect just acts as a nice highlight.
My one recommendation is actually a post production recommendation. I notice on your unmoving rocks there are small bits of seaweed or other plant or animal life. They look like they have great textures and colors but it’s hard to see. I would try adding small purple highlights by using the “find and replace” color tool in Photoshop if you have it. This will allow you to amplify these subtle colors and add a nice color highlight to your photograph. Don’t make it too bright, but slightly brighter purples may create an interesting effect in your foreground.
Overall… Great work, I can’t wait to see your next assignment.