Sunset at a lake

[Kronen]

I took this picture right after sunset at a lake on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, and I wanted to give it a more tropical feel.
Before

After


I upped the temperature, brightness, contrast and all of the presence settings. I then desaturated the yellow to retain the whiteish glow to the sky and then used spilt toning with golden, highly saturated, highlights (inspired by this guide).
Let me know what you think. Is it overdone? Should I have chosen different colors for the toning?

[BigD73ot]

Nice!!! Love it!!

[wulf]

It looks like you have also managed to fix a smudge in the centre of the image. It is a good result - the only question is whether you want it artificially vivid or if toning down the vibrancy of the colours would look more natural.

Wulf

[Paul Francis Photography]

I agree. I like how the second comes to life, but it looks a little too artificial.

[Kate71]

I know you said you wanted a tropical feel, but I don't know it this second shot quite works for me...
Whether it is the vivid colours, or that these type of trees make that sunset look wrong?
Maybe you could find some sort of middle ground, where it is a little more toned down. Not too orange, and try to keep some of the lavender colour from the first shot..
Just a suggestion

[MSidPhoto]

Hmm...Kate, both Before AND After are amazing
No really, its a very well composed shot and you've done a really nice post processing. Although I'll agree with Wulf that it looks a bit artifiicial and you could tone it done a little bit to make it look much more natural.

Anyways, good work and keep it up