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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

The Birth of the Digital Camera: From Film to Filmless Revolution

Photography has always been about capturing light to preserve moments. For over a century, that meant exposing a roll of film and then disappearing into a darkroom or waiting for a lab to develop the images. It’s easy to forget how different this process was before digital cameras came along. In the 1970s, the idea of instantly seeing a photo on a screen felt like science fiction. Yet it was in this era of film and chemicals that a young engineer quietly built a device that would change photography forever. What follows is the story of how the first digital camera was invented and how it transformed the way we take and share photos.

Zeiss vs. Viltrox: Is Premium Always Better?

When photographers debate lens quality, few brands stir up as much discussion as Zeiss. The Zeiss 55mm f/1.8, despite being over a decade old, still attracts plenty of attention—and debate.

Why Your Photography Should Avoid the Obvious

William Eggleston famously described himself as being "at war with the obvious," a compelling concept for any photographer to consider. Exploring what exactly counts as obvious—and why steering clear of it might make your work stand out—can help you create photographs people remember.

Predict Moments, Improve Your Shots

Timing makes or breaks photography. Being ready for the right moment transforms average shots into memorable images.

Effective Ways to Clearly Communicate Your Photography Ideas

One of the toughest parts of photography isn’t mastering camera settings or lighting setups—it’s actually about keeping the person you're photographing engaged. Your excitement doesn't automatically transfer, so learning how to clearly convey your ideas becomes essential.

How to Enhance Images With Midtones Contrast

Contrast is one of those subtle elements that can elevate a photo, turning a flat image into something dynamic. Understanding how to manage contrast, especially in midtones, is essential to capturing richer, more vibrant images.

Efficient Image Editing With Affinity Photo 2

Affinity Photo 2 offers powerful tools to enhance your raw images quickly and accurately, giving you professional results without the complexity or high cost of other software.

What It Takes to Make Truly Huge Prints

Buying a large format printer doesn't automatically guarantee big prints. Understanding what "big" really means and the considerations involved in producing large-scale photographs is crucial, particularly if you're planning to print at exhibition sizes.

Why Your Portraits Aren’t Sharp—and How to Fix Them

Are your portraits consistently coming out softer than you expect, even after careful focusing? Clarity makes a significant difference in the professional appearance of your images. Here's how to achieve it.

Small Adjustments That Lead to Stronger Photos

Ever feel like your photos are just shy of great, missing something small yet crucial? Many photographers experience this subtle frustration, and recognizing what's off is the first step toward exceptional results.

EVF Resolution and Refresh Rates: What You Need to Know

Electronic viewfinders have transformed how you interact with your camera. Beyond just framing shots, these tiny screens affect everything from how accurately you can judge focus to how connected you feel to your subject during fast-paced photography situations.