Articles written by Alex Cooke

The wide angle lens is the tool of choice for a lot of landscape photography, but such focal lengths can also be particularly tricky to work with. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer showing you how to create more effective compositions using a wide angle lens.

Apple's introduction of the M1 series of chips was a major paradigm shift for the company, bringing with them some of the efficient performance ever seen, allowing for powerful laptops that still managed to last all day. That, combined with other features, like a large and vibrant display, make the 16" MacBook Pro with the M1 Max chip the seeming frontrunner for creatives on the go. Can it keep that title in practice? This excellent video review discusses one creative's thoughts after a year with the laptop.

Traditionally, decent image quality from a supertelephoto focal length costs a pretty penny, which is what makes the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM, which costs less than $1,000, a particularly intriguing lens for many creatives. Can it offer performance and image quality that punch above that budget price, though? This excellent video review takes an in-depth look at what you can expect from the lens.

With the release of cameras like the EOS R7, Canon has shown they are dedicated to building their APS-C mirrorless platform alongside their well-established full frame line. If you are shooting with such a camera and looking for a kit lens for shooting a variety of scenarios, check out this fantastic video review that compares two good options.

Few cameras are as unique as the Leica M Monochrom, which, as its name implies, only shoots in black and white. While that might sound like a gimmick, it can provide a notable difference in image rendition in addition to the shooting experience. This interesting video takes a look at the original Leica M Monochromea decade after its release and discusses why it might be worth a look today.

Food photography, like every other genre, has certain pitfalls that can adversely affect your ability to make a good income from it. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced food photographer discussing three common pricing mistakes and how to fix or avoid them.

In the last few years, Viltrox has earned a reputation for manufacturing lenses at some of the lowest prices out there that somehow still compete with more expensive options. Their latest offering, the AF 75mm f/1.2 XF, offers Fujifilm X Series users a nice combination of an ultra-wide aperture and a portrait focal length at a very reasonable price. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

24mm prime lenses with wide maximum apertures are popular for a variety of applications, as they offer a versatile wide focal length that is not so wide that significant issues with distortion or composition start to creep in, making them a favorite for everything from events coverage to nightscapes. For Sony users, there is the Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Photographers who are new to working with artificial light often think that strobes always look distinctly different from natural light. And while it is true that you can shoot creative, highly stylized images that would not be possible with just sunlight, you can use strobes to emulate natural light to make subtle, natural looks. This excellent video tutorial will show you three off-camera flash lighting techniques that will allow you to create effective and compelling portraits.