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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Leica Opens Call for Entries for 2025 Leica Women Foto Project

Leica has officially opened submissions for the sixth edition of the Leica Women Foto Project, an annual photography contest aimed at elevating the voices and work of women photographers. The 2025 theme, "Unity Through Diversity," encourages participants to explore and showcase the power of human connection. The project aligns with Leica's mission to push the boundaries of visual storytelling while supporting diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Mastering Composition: Tools Beyond the Rule of Thirds

Composition is the backbone of any great image, and while instincts can take you far, truly understanding composition will make your work more intentional and consistent. You already know when something feels right in a photo, but what if you could control that feeling more effectively? This is where knowing how composition works becomes crucial.

How Visual Tension Shapes Your Compositions

Visual tension is an often overlooked aspect of composition, but it's one you should be paying attention to. It’s about the spatial relationship between objects within a frame and how those objects relate to the edges of the frame. Ignoring this concept can lead to images that feel off-balance, while mastering it can elevate the quality of your work without extensive cropping or post-editing.

Lightroom to Photoshop on iPad: A Simple Roundtrip Workflow

With Lightroom and Photoshop available on the iPad, you can easily switch between the two apps for a seamless mobile workflow. If you haven’t explored how to roundtrip your edits between Lightroom and Photoshop on your tablet, this video offers a clear guide.

Common Film Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Film photography has its unique charm, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles for those who explore this medium is navigating through mistakes, often with no easy fix like in digital photography.

Everything You Need to Know About Light Gels

Gels are one of the most versatile tools in your lighting kit, offering endless creative possibilities when used right. Whether you’re adding color to a scene or adjusting the quality of light, gels give you control over your final image.

The Unique Character of Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Lens

The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens has been creating a lot of buzz, especially among those looking for something different from the usual clinical sharpness modern lenses tend to offer. If you’ve been on the lookout for a lens with character, this one might be worth a look.

The Myth of Perfect Camera Settings

Getting the right camera settings can be a challenge, especially if you think there’s always a perfect setting for every situation. But if you’re stuck chasing that ideal combination, it might hold you back from truly understanding how your camera works and how to adapt in the moment.

Elevate Your Portraits With These Essential Tips

Portrait photography can be tricky, especially when it comes to capturing authentic expressions and emotions. It’s not just about your camera settings; it’s also about how you interact with your subject, the environment, and the mood you create. In fact, being able to put your subject at ease and make thoughtful choices in framing and lighting are what separate good portraits from great ones.

Fujifilm GFX100S II: Medium Format Power in a Smaller Package

Medium format cameras are known for their stunning image quality and large sensors, but they often come with a hefty price and bulky bodies. The new Fujifilm GFX 100S II is trying to change that, offering an impressive balance between high-end features and a more compact, affordable design.

Why The Matrix Still Feels Ahead of Its Time

The Matrix changed how we think about science fiction and visual effects when it arrived in 1999. Its bold ideas, groundbreaking effects, and philosophical depth continue to leave a lasting impression. The film's mastery in blending storytelling with technical innovation is one reason it still holds up over two decades later.

Chasing Image Quality? You Might Be Looking in the Wrong Place

It’s easy to feel like you need the latest camera or lens to improve your photography. With constant advertising, you’re led to believe that without the newest features, your images will be lacking. But that’s not entirely true.

Everyday Photography: Finding New Inspiration in Familiar Places

Photographing beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas can feel effortless when you’re in a new or exotic location. But how do you keep your eye sharp in your everyday environment? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s nothing new to see, especially in familiar places.

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3: A Versatile Zoom Powerhouse

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens offers impressive versatility. With its zoom range starting at 50mm and stretching all the way to 400mm, it covers an 8x zoom ratio, allowing you to capture tight shots and wide scenes without needing to switch lenses.

Mastering Flash: Key Methods for Tackling Common Lighting Problems

Using flash can completely change the way you approach your shoots, especially when natural light just isn’t cutting it. Whether you’re in a dim venue, dealing with color casts, or just trying to add a bit of pop to your images, flash can solve a lot of problems. But it’s not always straightforward. Knowing when and how to use flash is a key skill that can take your work to the next level.

Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits

The 85mm focal length is a go-to choice for many types of photography, offering versatility beyond just portrait work. Its ability to isolate subjects and create depth makes it valuable across genres like landscapes, street photography, and even product shots.

Essential Tips to Look Professional on Set

Looking professional in your work is crucial, especially when clients are making snap judgments based on your equipment and setup. Whether it’s fair or not, the way you present yourself and your gear affects how seriously you’ll be taken.

Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition for Adventurous Photographers

Hasselblad has announced a limited edition version of its X2D 100C, designed specifically for photographers who explore and capture the beauty of Earth's natural landscapes. The X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition will be available in a limited run of 1,000 units worldwide. The camera combines the same high-performance features of the X2D 100C with a unique Tundra Brown exterior, inspired by Nordic landscapes.

iOS 18 Now Available: Major Redesigns, Smarter Features, Better Photo Management, and Enhanced Control

Apple has announced the release of iOS 18, a major update for iPhone users, available now. This new version brings a variety of features focused on personalization, privacy, and intelligence-driven user experiences. Among the highlights are redesigned interfaces, advanced photo and messaging capabilities, new privacy tools, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, which will roll out next month.