Thanks guys, I appreciate your nice comments.
I also think that the 1st shot is still one of my best - it's definitely one of most favourite sunset shots I've ever done.
H - re people, that shot was actually composed to have the people in it
I went through a stage of wanting people in the shot to give it dimension and to tell more of a story. For me, the people help make that shot.. but i understand it's not for everyone