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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

How to Capture Stunning Macro Shots With a Simple Setup

Macro photography lets you dive deep into nature’s hidden details, capturing the beauty in things most people miss. Whether it's the delicate textures of mushrooms or the subtle play of light, getting the techniques right can make all the difference.

How to Balance Flash and Ambient Light Like a Pro

Understanding how to balance ambient light and flash can transform your photos. With so many types of flashes and varying methods of control, it's essential to grasp the basics and build from there.

Mastering the 50mm Lens: Simple Tips for Better Compositions

The 50mm focal length can feel tricky to use. It’s not wide enough to capture expansive scenes like a 35mm, but it’s also not telephoto enough to isolate subjects like an 85mm. This in-between nature can leave you feeling like it’s neither here nor there. However, with the right approach, the 50mm can produce clean, minimalist images that draw attention to your subject without overwhelming the frame.

Is the TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2 the Best Budget Portrait Lens?

If you’ve been on the lookout for a low-cost portrait lens for your Sony or Nikon camera, the TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2 could be worth your attention. With its f/2 aperture, it offers a combination of smooth background blur and sharp image quality, perfect for portraits.

Balancing Natural and Flash Light for Perfect Outdoor Portraits

Balancing natural light with flash can be tricky, especially in outdoor settings. Bright sunlight often causes squinting, and shadows may not fall in the most flattering ways. Learning to use a mix of both light sources effectively can elevate your outdoor portraits, making the subject comfortable while still achieving the desired look.

Lightroom's Hidden Tool for Perfect Color Control

The calibration panel in Lightroom Classic is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for color control. If you want more precise control over the colors in your photos, this panel offers unique options that go beyond the typical adjustments like white balance or the hue/saturation/luminance (HSL) sliders.

Dreamy Pastel Color Grading in Lightroom

Pastel color grading is a subtle yet powerful way to make your photos stand out, and you can achieve it easily with some simple tweaks in Lightroom. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with color grading but felt overwhelmed, this method offers an approachable way to elevate your work.

Quick Tips for Balancing Photography With Everyday Life

Finding time for photography can feel impossible when you're juggling work, family, and everything else. You might feel like you're always running out of time for your passion. The good news is, it's not about having more time, it's about using the time you already have better.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.

How to Create Painterly Photos in Lightroom

If you want your photos to have that painterly, moody feel, editing is key. It’s possible to achieve stunning results with just a few thoughtful adjustments, even when nature doesn’t provide ideal conditions.

The Complete Pre-Wedding Gear Checklist for Seamless Shooting

Bringing the right gear to a wedding is crucial. It’s not just about your camera or lenses; it’s about having everything you need to get through the day smoothly. Forgetting even one item could create unnecessary stress when you’re on the job. If you’ve ever scrambled to make sure you packed everything, you’re not alone.

Simplify Your Edits With Photoshop’s New Remove Distractions Tool

Removing distractions like power lines and unwanted people from your images can make a huge difference in the final result. One of the latest features in Photoshop’s beta version is a tool that lets you remove wires, cables, and even people with just a few clicks.

Canon vs. Sigma: Which 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Lens Is Right for You?

Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or vlogs, having the right lens can make all the difference. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary and Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM are two strong contenders for those looking to enhance their Canon APS-C mirrorless setup.

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 PRO: A Great Budget Lens for Fujifilm Users

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO is a lens designed for Fujifilm X mount users who want sharp, premium images without breaking the bank. For less than $300, it combines a solid build with features that set it apart from other lenses in its price range.