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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Microsoft’s Qualcomm-Powered Laptops: A New Era for Windows Devices

Microsoft's recent refresh of its Surface line marks a significant shift in the laptop market with the introduction of new models powered by Qualcomm chips. These ARM-based processors promise efficiency and improved battery life, addressing a long-standing issue for Windows laptops.

An In-Depth Review of Top Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony Cameras

Sony’s decision to open their full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras to third-party lens manufacturers has led to a thriving market with a variety of options. Among these, three standard zoom lenses stand out: the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II, and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. These lenses are popular because they offer a versatile zoom range and a bright maximum aperture, making them ideal for various shooting scenarios, including low-light situations and achieving smooth bokeh.

Minimalist Portraits on a Budget

Getting the right look for a portrait often depends on more than just the subject. Backgrounds are essential, and minimalist backgrounds can be a great way to create striking images that emphasize the subject.

Ditch Manual Mode and Embrace Aperture Priority 

Understanding your camera settings can dramatically improve your photography. Many photographers believe that shooting in manual mode is the only way to achieve professional results, but this video argues that this is not always the case.

Kodak Gold 200: A Budget-Friendly Film for Stunning Results

Getting the most out of your film photography endeavors often means striking a balance between quality and cost. Kodak Gold 200 is a film stock that offers a compelling combination of affordability and pleasing results, particularly when shooting in 120 format.

Things Photographers Hate

As a photographer, you’re likely driven by passion and a desire to capture compelling images. However, the path to a thriving photography career is often paved with challenges and frustrations. Understanding and navigating these pitfalls can significantly contribute to your success.

A Review of the New Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II

A fast standard zoom lens can be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in a photographer's kit. Covering a popular zoom range and offering a wide maximum aperture, lenses like the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II are ideal for a variety of photographic applications.

Rumored Specs About the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Emerge

It's going to be an exciting year for Canon fans, with the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 expected to be fully announced. And to hold you over until the EOS R5 Mark II is announced, here are some rumored specifications.

Five Compositional Keys for Stunning Landscapes

Composition is crucial in landscape photography because it's one of the few aspects a photographer has complete control over. Understanding how to arrange elements within the frame can significantly elevate a photograph from average to extraordinary.

Creative Problem-Solving: Lighting Techniques and Tips

Lighting is a crucial aspect of photography, often making or breaking a shoot. Understanding how to manipulate light effectively is essential. This video details a challenging scenario that was transformed into a valuable lesson on lighting techniques.

Unlocking Creative Inspiration for Your Photography

Mastering photography is not solely about technical skills but also about cultivating a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources is crucial for developing a unique style and staying motivated. This insightful explores how you can harness creativity and inspiration to elevate your photography.

Streamline Your Workflow With Lightroom Masking Presets

Creating custom presets in Lightroom Classic can significantly streamline your editing workflow, especially for repetitive tasks like enhancing eye details in portraits. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to create your own.

Expanding Dynamic Range With Auto Exposure Bracketing

Expanding your camera’s dynamic range with Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) can drastically improve image quality. Human eyes can see a wider dynamic range than cameras, so we need to use techniques like AEB to capture more detail in high-contrast scenes.

Creating a Dreamy Orton Glow in Lightroom

The Orton glow effect gives landscape photos a soft, ethereal quality that draws viewers in. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to create it in Lightroom.

Open Shade: The Key to Perfect Outdoor Lighting

Using open shade can transform your outdoor photography by providing soft, directional light without the need for complex lighting setups. This technique leverages natural light to create stunning images with minimal equipment, making it a great skill to master.

Essential Lessons for Mastering Studio Portrait Photography

Mastering studio portrait photography requires adapting to controlled environments and understanding how to manipulate lighting and equipment effectively. The transition from outdoor to indoor photography can be challenging, but it offers unique opportunities to refine your skills and produce high-quality images consistently.