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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Fujifilm’s Best Standard Zoom? A Look at the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens is the brand’s new flagship standard zoom, offering a versatile focal range and bright aperture. If you need a workhorse lens for everything from landscapes to portraits, this could be worth a look.

Why Choosing the Right Profile Matters in Editing

Choosing the right profile before editing can change the way your image looks and how much control you have over the final result. Different profiles apply varying levels of contrast, saturation, and tonal adjustments, making them a critical first step in post-processing.

Why You Should Try Shooting in 16x9

The 16x9 aspect ratio is everywhere, from televisions to smartphones, but it’s rarely a first choice when composing still images. It’s an option on many cameras, yet most people either ignore it or only use it occasionally. There’s a reason to reconsider that.

A Tiny $99 Autofocus Lens: Is It Worth It?

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 XF lens is one of the most compact autofocus lenses you can get. It weighs next to nothing and turns your camera into something truly pocketable. But is it worth the $99 price tag? There are some trade-offs to consider, and some of them may be deal-breakers depending on how you shoot.

Minimalist Winter Photography

The stark contrast of winter between the white snow and dark skies brings out compositions that wouldn’t be possible in other seasons. If you’re drawn to clean, simple images, this kind of environment offers an opportunity to refine your eye and experiment with composition in new ways.

Signs You’re a Better Photographer Than You Think

It's easy to underestimate your own skills. You compare your work to others, feel stuck, or convince yourself you’re not improving. But there are clear signs that show you’re better than you think. Recognizing them can help build confidence and keep you moving forward.

The Gear and Planning You Need for Wedding Photography

Wedding photography requires more than just showing up with a camera. From securing bookings to planning for lighting conditions, every step before the wedding day impacts your results. The right preparation ensures a smooth experience, minimizes surprises, and helps you capture meaningful images.

Why Social Media Is Making Your Photography Worse

Social media rewards predictable photography. Popular trends get likes, shares, and engagement, but they don’t necessarily make you better. If you want to improve, you need to stop repeating the same shots that flood Instagram and start thinking more critically about what you create.

Why Telephoto Lenses Can Improve Your Landscape Photography

Wide angle lenses dominate landscape photography, but they aren’t the only option. Telephoto lenses offer a different perspective, bringing compression, depth, and new composition possibilities. They let you isolate details, enhance layers, and create a more immersive feel in vast environments.

How to Avoid Airline Hassles With Photography Equipment

Traveling with camera gear can be stressful. Security checks, weight limits, and the risk of lost or stolen equipment add to the challenge. The right strategies can make a huge difference in avoiding unnecessary hassles.

Official Share Woman’s Intimate Images but Receive No Consequences

In 2019, Haley Olson’s private images were exposed when officials in Grant County, Oregon, accessed her cell phone data without a warrant. Olson, who operated a legal marijuana dispensary in Oregon, became the center of a controversy after her intimate images stored on her phone were shared among local law enforcement personnel.

What Really Makes Video Cinematic

Making your footage look cinematic isn’t just about lighting. It’s a combination of elements—camera settings, lens choice, composition, motion blur, and color grading—all working together. You might have the right gear, but if the image lacks depth, movement, or the right tone, it won’t have that polished, film-like quality.

Signs You’re Becoming a Better Photographer

Self-doubt is a constant in creative work. You might question whether your images are any good or if your work stands out. That uncertainty isn’t unique to you—many struggle with it, even experienced professionals. The challenge is defining what makes a good photographer when taste, style, and subjectivity play such a big role.

A Smarter Way to Capture Street Photos Without Constant Walking

Walking 20,000 to 40,000 steps on a photo walk isn’t always practical. Sometimes, you need a way to capture compelling images without constant movement. A method called the "fishing technique" offers an alternative, letting you stay in one spot and wait for the right moment instead of chasing subjects.

Mastering Black and White Photography: Essential Techniques

Black and white photography forces you to see light, texture, and form in ways that color photography doesn’t. Stripping away color makes you focus on contrast and composition, helping you create images with depth and mood. If you’ve never spent a day shooting only in black and white, it’s a great way to train your eye.