How would you make this photo work?

[Geoff79]

1. The RAW image:
IMG_4740_2.jpg

2. My effort (Why'd I go so heavy on the yellow?! ):
IMG_4740.JPG

2 seconds, ISO100, F18.

Okay guys, if anyone out there has some spare time, or is super bored for some strange (but beneficial to me?) reason, how about some fun?

I got up for sunrise at Colllaroy beach on Saturday morning and took a heap of shots trying everything in the world with my filters. I tried a single GND, 2 layered GND filers, a GND filter over a ND8 filter etc, 2 ND8 filters layered (now that was a red result!). I tried it all, but still got nothing close to the results I was after.

One reason for my failure which I think may have some validity, is that it just wasn't that majestic a sunrise in the first place. The real super colours I've seen in the past just weren't there to be had. But I noticed that I just couldn't shake the dark foreground for colour in the sky and vice versa, with the detailed foreground and washed out sky. Especially when I was facing sunwards.

I'm trying desperately to move away from HDR or layering of any sort because, based on images I see here, I'm sure I should be able to get the shot in a single go. With all that detail and clarity I desire.

I know I probably need a much deeper understanding of Photoshop, but what tips could the punters offer for making this photo work, for example?