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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

The Distinctions Between Good and Great Photographers

Creating exceptional photos requires more than technical skills or expensive equipment. The difference between good and great photography often comes down to fundamental creative principles that transform ordinary images into compelling visual stories.

The Fujifilm X-M5: Small Camera, Big Surprises

Few cameras have faced as much early criticism—and then surprised everyone—as the Fujifilm X-M5. What seemed like a limited update at first glance has revealed itself to be a compelling choice, particularly if you're looking for professional video capabilities in a tiny, affordable package.

Fujifilm’s GFX100RF: Compact Body, Huge Resolution

Fujifilm’s new GFX100RF medium format camera combines a massive 102-megapixel sensor with compact form factor and fixed lens design. Its portability and sensor size position it uniquely among high-resolution cameras.

Why Your Real Estate Images Need Better Natural Light

Effectively using natural light in real estate photography isn’t just about getting bright photos—it taps into psychological responses that can make your images immediately more appealing. Good use of natural light draws attention and enhances spatial awareness, making spaces feel inviting and attractive to potential buyers.

Canon Autofocus: Master Your Camera’s Advanced Features

Autofocus settings have become incredibly sophisticated on Canon's latest mirrorless cameras, like the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II. Knowing how to harness these powerful autofocus features can significantly improve your photography, especially when you're shooting fast-moving subjects like athletes.

Editing Landscapes Faster With Lightroom’s Latest Update

Adobe has just released a Lightroom update with a new landscape masking feature designed to streamline your editing workflow. If you frequently edit landscape photos, this update is worth exploring for its practical improvements.

Dodging and Burning Using Only Lightroom

Dodging and burning can dramatically change how your final image turns out, enhancing depth and guiding attention to key areas. Mastering this technique in Lightroom is not only possible but straightforward enough to become an essential part of your workflow.

Visual Storytelling Secrets From 'The Untouchables'

Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables isn't your average gangster movie. It’s visually compelling, tightly shot, and filled with moments photographers can learn from about cinematic storytelling.

Is Sigma's 300-600mm f/4 Your Ideal Super-Telephoto Lens?

The Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens is filling a noticeable gap between typical telephoto zooms and ultra-expensive super telephoto primes. If you've been struggling to find a high-quality lens without reaching into the $10,000-plus range, Sigma's latest offering might be precisely what you're looking for.

Setting Up Successful Model Collaborations

If you're serious about improving your photography, scheduling regular test shoots with models—without money exchanging hands—is necessary. Learning how to handle these arrangements correctly saves you from wasted effort and awkward situations.

Practical Advice for Becoming a Photographer in 2025

If you're thinking about starting a photography career in 2025, it's natural to have concerns, especially with the growing presence of AI. Understanding the current landscape and how you fit into it matters more now than ever.

Effortlessly Remove People From Images Using Photoshop's AI

Photoshop's recent integration of AI tools has significantly simplified the process of removing people from images. Whether you're dealing with unwanted background figures in portraits or distracting elements in event shots, these modern techniques can dramatically streamline your workflow.

Understand Your Camera’s Metering Modes Easily

Understanding camera metering modes is essential if you want consistent results and greater creative control over your photography. Metering affects how your camera interprets lighting in a scene, influencing your exposure settings and the overall look of your photos.

Creative Techniques for Capturing Ethereal Flower Photos

Bluebells offer photographers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to create delicate and dreamy images. Capturing their soft, ethereal beauty often requires specialized techniques and careful handling.

Essential Gear Every Beginner Needs for Macro Photography

When you're starting macro photography, knowing what gear actually makes a difference is the fastest way to getting impressive shots. It's not about buying everything, but choosing exactly what matters to capture the small details you're after.