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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Improve Your Landscape Shots by Blocking the Sun With This Simple Trick

When shooting in harsh lighting conditions, it’s common to encounter issues like lens flares or blown-out highlights. This is particularly relevant if you're trying to capture outdoor scenes with direct sunlight in your frame. In such situations, managing the light effectively can make a huge difference in the quality of your final image.

A Review of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens

Tamron’s 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD offers an interesting option for those seeking a versatile zoom lens. It expands the standard range of 70-300mm telephoto lenses to start at 50mm, making it more flexible for a variety of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re capturing landscapes at wider angles or zooming in for distant details, this lens aims to cover it all.

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this thorough video review dives into the features and performance of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD. Frost highlights that while the lens delivers a wide...

How to Use a Color Checker Passport for Accurate Color in Your Photos

Achieving accurate color in your photos can be a challenge, especially when lighting and other variables keep changing. Getting consistent results across different shoots requires using the right tools to match what you see in person with what shows up in your images. That’s where a Color Checker Passport comes in.

Tiny Lens, Big Value: The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Pancake

Compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable—pancake lenses are a popular choice for their lightweight design and versatility. The new Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens is no exception. With its ultra-slim build, this lens is ideal for travel, street photography, and situations where you need to keep a low profile without sacrificing image quality.

How to Handle Setbacks and Frustration in Photography

Every photographer has faced it—that sinking feeling of disappointment when things just don’t go as planned. Maybe it’s a matter of expectations, or perhaps a missed opportunity. But these moments are part of the process. Understanding how to handle these frustrations is crucial for anyone serious about photography.

The Benefits of Using a Wide Angle Lens for Macro Shots

Macro photography often brings to mind extreme close-ups and tight compositions, but what happens when you pair it with a wide angle lens? This setup offers a new perspective, giving your images context by incorporating the surroundings. Understanding how and when to use a wide angle macro can help you capture more dynamic and story-driven shots.

The Therapeutic Power of Landscape Photography

Connecting with nature can have a profound impact on your well-being. Whether you’re standing in front of a tranquil lake or hiking through a dense forest, these moments provide a sense of calm that can’t be replicated elsewhere. While many people see landscape photography as a way to capture beautiful scenes, it’s also a way to experience the healing power of nature firsthand.

Three Essential Tips for Stunning Landscape Photos

Improving your landscape photography isn’t just about finding a stunning scene—it’s about how you approach that scene with your camera. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, these three essential tips will elevate your work.

Common Lightroom Editing Mistakes

Editing mistakes can lead to images that don’t look polished or professional. Editing is not just about pushing sliders around—it's about recognizing and correcting issues that might not be obvious at first glance. This video addresses some of the most common editing mistakes in Lightroom and how you can fix them.

Lessons From 30-Year-Old Photos

Black and white photography has a unique way of bringing out the essence of a scene. It’s not just about eliminating color—it’s about mastering light, contrast, and texture.

Why It’s So Hard to Go Full-Time in Photography

Why is it so hard to move from a stable 9-to-5 job to a full-time photography career? Many people, especially those passionate about turning their creative skills into a living, struggle with this. If you've ever considered making the leap, you're likely familiar with the challenges. It’s a big move that takes more than just skill behind the camera—it requires time, energy, and a bit of financial risk.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (September 2024): Roksolyana Hilevych

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2024, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

Top Photography Complaints That Make No Sense

Photographers tend to have passionate opinions about their craft, and some of those opinions can spark heated debates. Certain topics, though, repeatedly surface in the photography world, leading to complaints that can feel redundant.

Canon EOS R5 vs. R5 Mark II vs. R3: Which Camera Is Right for You?

If you're considering the Canon EOS R5, R5 Mark II, or R3, you’ve likely wondered which one fits your needs best. Each camera brings distinct advantages, from advanced video capabilities to top-tier autofocus. Here's which is best for you.

Easy Fixes for Common Photo Mistakes Using Photoshop

Every photographer encounters issues like motion blur or exposure mishaps, and it’s not always possible to fix them in-camera. Fortunately, Photoshop offers powerful tools to correct these common problems.

How Fog Turns Everyday Scenes Into Stunning Photos

Foggy mornings offer an unparalleled opportunity to capture moments that feel otherworldly. The mist transforms everyday scenes into something more mysterious and peaceful, making it the perfect time to head out with your camera.