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Alex Cooke
Cleveland, OH

Articles written by Alex Cooke

How to Make Boring Spaces Look Dramatic With Light

Lighting can transform even the most boring locations into compelling, visually engaging scenes. You don’t need an elaborate setup or a perfectly styled space to create interesting photos. The secret lies in how you use light to add depth, atmosphere, and dimension to your shots.

Why Shooting Locally Will Make You a Better Photographer

Exploring your local area for landscape photography can be a surprisingly effective way to sharpen your skills and experiment with new techniques. While traveling to new, exotic locations often feels more rewarding, the familiarity of your home patch offers unique opportunities to grow and refine your approach.

Turn Rainy Days Into Creative Opportunities With This Technique

Long-exposure photography isn’t just for tripods and perfect lighting conditions. With the right technique, you can create surreal, motion-filled images handheld, even on a rainy day. This can turn an otherwise uninspiring scene into something captivating.

How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Photographer

Self-doubt can creep into any creative process, but in photography, it has a way of growing unchecked. That inner critic can leave you questioning your abilities, even if you’ve won awards or spent decades honing your craft. It’s not a lack of skill that fuels this doubt—it’s often how you compare yourself to others and how you view your own work.

The Reality of Becoming a Full-Time Photographer

The decision to turn photography from a passion into a profession is a leap many dream about but few take. It’s a deeply personal journey, shaped by ambition, risk, and the challenges of balancing creative freedom with financial stability. For outdoor photography, in particular, the realities can be even more complex.

Landscape Photography Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Mistakes are part of growth in any craft, including photography. For landscape photography, where conditions and circumstances can change in an instant, even experienced professionals find themselves relearning old lessons. These missteps aren’t just frustrating—they’re also opportunities to adjust your approach, improve, and refine your process.

Mastering Lightroom: Basic Adjustments and Tone Curve Explained

Editing your images is about more than just making them look good; it’s about using tools effectively to achieve the results you envision. Understanding how the basic adjustment panel and the tone curve in Lightroom work together can significantly improve the dynamic range, contrast, and tone of your images.

Fixing Horizons and Improving Composition With AI in Photoshop

Straightening your photos and adjusting their composition can make a huge difference in the final look of your images. With Photoshop’s tools, you can fix crooked horizons, add missing details, and even enhance composition with precision and ease.

10 Ways to Take Better Photos

Understanding what elevates a good image into a truly great one isn’t just about having the right tools. It’s about refining your approach to light, composition, and the story behind every frame. By breaking down these concepts, you can start to see meaningful improvements in your work.

How to Solve Common Photography Problems and Improve Your Shots

When you think about improving your photography, you might picture buying new gear or chasing perfect light. But some of the biggest improvements come from small adjustments to technique and mindset. Addressing these common challenges can not only improve your photos but also make the process more enjoyable.

How to Build a Better Relationship With Photography

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s a long-term process that requires consistency and a mindset focused on growth. Whether you’re shooting in the streets, capturing travel memories, or experimenting with landscapes, adopting the right habits can make all the difference.

How to Streamline Wedding Day Chaos With a Custom Timeline

Planning is critical on wedding days, and having a clear timeline isn’t just for planners. Writing your own timeline ensures you know exactly when and where you need to be to capture key moments. It also helps the couple stay informed and makes the entire day run more smoothly, leaving you free to focus on creating memorable photos.

Do Better Cameras Make Better Photographs?

There’s a lot of debate about whether high-end gear leads to better photographs. While modern cameras offer convenience and reliability, it’s worth questioning if they actually improve your artistic output or just make the process easier.

Real Estate vs. Architectural Photography: What Sets Them Apart

Real estate and architectural photography might seem similar, but they serve distinct purposes and cater to different markets. Understanding these differences can help you better tailor your approach and work effectively with clients.

Minimalist Landscape Photography on the Coast

Finding the extraordinary in simple scenes is a skill every photographer should develop. A minimalist approach not only creates striking images but also pushes you to think creatively about composition, light, and negative space.

Why Slowing Down Can Transform Your Photography

The constant chase for the next photo, location, or achievement can lead to burnout. Balancing your passion with a slower, more reflective approach not only improves your work but also makes the process far more fulfilling.

The Filmmaking Genius Behind Gladiator's Opening Battle

The opening battle of Gladiator remains a memorable moment in modern cinema. Its combination of layered storytelling, technical precision, and visceral energy still holds its own more than two decades after the film’s release.

Finding Purpose and Joy in Photography

Pushing through self-doubt and finding purpose in photography can be a challenge. When you're out capturing moments, it’s easy to wonder what it’s all for. Yet, reminding yourself of why you love photography can reignite your passion and keep you inspired.