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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Visual Storytelling Lessons from 10 Iconic Films

Movies often offer a unique perspective on visual storytelling, making them a valuable resource for honing your creative eye. This list of 10 films explores techniques that are especially useful when applied to photography.

Why This $764 Lens Might Replace Your G Master

Choosing a quality portrait lens can be overwhelming, especially with so many options claiming professional-level performance. If you’re looking for a sharp, versatile lens that doesn’t break the bank, the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB is worth considering.

Overcoming Street Photography Anxiety

Street photography often presents an unexpected challenge: your own anxiety. The hesitation about being noticed or judged can prevent you from capturing moments you want to freeze in time. This internal struggle is common, and learning to manage it is essential.

How to Use Light and Backgrounds for Better Couple Photos

Finding the right location and light for portraits can transform a photo shoot. Coastal settings, with their natural backdrops and dynamic lighting, are especially versatile. Knowing how to work with these elements effectively ensures your images feel both natural and romantic.

Mastering Bright and Harsh Light for Stunning Photos

Shooting in bright, sunny conditions can be challenging, but mastering this light can add a fresh, vibrant look to your images. While many rely on golden hour’s soft tones, learning how to use harsh sunlight effectively opens new creative opportunities. It’s about working with the light rather than against it.

Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 Review: Sharpness and Reach

The XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is a standout addition to Fujifilm's X mount lineup, standing as a useful tool for wildlife and sports photography. It combines excellent optical performance with practical handling, making it an intriguing option for many users.

How to Use Composition to Evoke Emotion in Your Photos

Composition in photography isn’t just about following rules; it’s about creating images that connect with emotions. Understanding how to make your compositions feel natural and meaningful can take your photography from technically correct to truly impactful. This balance between technique and intuition is essential for making images that resonate.

Wide Angle Photography: Tips for Stunning Landscape Shots

Wide angle lenses can capture expansive views, but using them effectively takes practice. Choosing the right focal length and understanding composition techniques can help you elevate your landscape shots and make the most of this versatile tool.

Changing Perspective vs. Cropping: What You Need to Know

The relationship between subject, background, and lens focal length is fundamental to creating compelling images. By learning to adjust perspective instead of relying on zoom, you gain more control over your composition and storytelling.

The Creative Potential of Paper-Based Photography

Using darkroom paper in a large format camera creates a distinctive aesthetic and provides an opportunity to experiment with a hands-on process. It’s an approach worth exploring if you’re looking to break away from your usual workflow.

How to Capture Stunning Images in Overcast Conditions

Exploring new landscapes can be thrilling and challenging, especially in unpredictable weather. Finding the right balance between the effort of getting to the location and the payoff is often the toughest part.

Portrait Editing in Lightroom: Basic to Advanced Techniques

Editing portraits isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about bringing out what’s already great. With the right tools and techniques in Lightroom, you can refine lighting, color, and detail to make your subject stand out.

Tips for Stunning Minimalist Photography

Minimalism in photography is all about simplicity. Negative space, or empty areas in your image, plays a key role in achieving this. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just a flat, solid surface like the sky, a wall, or even a field of snow can provide the clean background that makes your subject stand out.

Photoshop’s New Reflection Removal Tool

Dealing with reflections can be frustrating, especially when shooting through glass. Photoshop’s new reflection removal feature aims to simplify this process. While still in beta, the results it delivers on specific types of reflections are impressive.

Advice Every Photographer Needs to Hear

Starting out in photography can feel daunting. It's easy to get lost in the sea of information, gear, and self-doubt. But some of the most valuable lessons in photography aren't about the latest gear or technical tricks—they're about mindset and approach.

Adobe’s Photography Plan Price Changes: What You Need to Know

Adobe is adjusting the pricing of its popular photography plans, a change that impacts many users who rely on Lightroom, Photoshop, and other tools for their work. This is the first price hike since 2013, so understanding what’s changing and what it means for you is important to avoid surprises or unnecessary adjustments to your workflow.

Getting Started with Fujifilm Cameras: Essential Tips and Tricks

When you first pick up a Fujifilm camera, the sheer amount of on-screen information can be overwhelming. These cameras are packed with features, and while many of them are useful, others can distract you from focusing on your shots. Setting up your camera thoughtfully can make a huge difference in how enjoyable and effective it is to use.