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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

How to Use Vignettes to Improve Your Photos

Vignetting can be a powerful tool in editing, helping you direct attention to the most important part of your image. Whether you're working with portraits, product shots, or landscapes, controlling how light fades toward the edges can enhance your composition. But not all vignettes are created equal, and using the wrong approach can make your edits look artificial.

Quantum Camera for Cancer Detection: Ultra-Sensitive Imaging to Spot Tumors Early

Scientists are reporting progress on a “quantum camera” that could vastly improve early cancer detection by capturing visual details that conventional medical imaging might miss. This next-generation camera is designed to be so sensitive that it can detect a single photon of light – the smallest possible unit of illumination. By leveraging principles of quantum physics, the device would produce extremely high-contrast, high-resolution images of biological tissues, potentially allowing doctors to see cancerous cells or tumors at a much earlier stage than current technology permits​.

Getty Images and Verizon Announce $20,000 Grant to Improve Disability Representation in Professional Settings

Getty Images, in collaboration with Verizon and the National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA), has announced a $20,000 creative grant aimed at improving the representation of the disability community in workplace imagery. This initiative seeks to challenge traditional portrayals by focusing on the professional contributions of people with disabilities rather than the often-limited contexts seen in mainstream visual media.

Sony Expands Creators’ Cloud With Direct Uploads to Google Drive and Adobe Lightroom

Sony has announced an update to its Creators’ Cloud platform, bringing new features to its Creators’ App. The latest version, 2.6.0, allows users to automatically transfer images and videos directly from select Sony cameras to Google Drive or Adobe Lightroom, simplifying cloud-based workflows for photographers and videographers.

Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Review: The Best Kit Lens Ever?

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations.

US Copyright Office: Some AI-Generated Images Can Be Protected – With Conditions

The United States Copyright Office has released a much-anticipated report clarifying how US copyright law applies to artwork created with the help of artificial intelligence. The takeaway: if an AI-generated image includes enough original creative input from a human, it can be eligible for copyright – at least partially​.

Why Photography Is Struggling and What That Means for You

Photography has changed, and if you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably felt it. Camera sales are down, social media dominates how images are consumed, and video is taking a bigger role in commercial work. If you’re wondering whether there’s still a place for you in photography, you’re not alone.

How a Pot of Coffee Started an Imaging Revolution

Before baby monitors and viral livestreams, a glitchy black-and-white camera pointed at an empty coffee pot ignited an internet revolution. This is the surprising tale of how a thirst for caffeine birthed the world’s very first webcam.

Common Mistakes in Landscape Photography

Landscape photography isn’t just about capturing a scene. It’s about guiding the viewer’s eye, balancing composition, and controlling light. Small adjustments can make a big difference, and knowing what to look for will take your images to the next level.

The Three Best Ways to Build a Photography Business

Making money with your camera isn’t just about taking great photos. It’s about getting clients, making connections, and understanding how to put yourself in the right place at the right time. If you want to turn photography into a full-time income instead of a side hustle, you need to know what works.

Three Things to Know Before Buying Your First Camera

Getting into photography can feel overwhelming with all the gear options and advice out there. The truth is, expensive equipment won’t automatically make you better. Understanding what matters most will set you up for success without unnecessary spending.

Police Seize Photos from Texas Museum in Unprecedented Move

Imagine visiting a photo exhibit and finding out the police removed some of the artworks. That’s exactly what happened in Fort Worth, Texas. Four photographs by famed photographer Sally Mann were seized by police from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth amid allegations that they might constitute child pornography​.

Canon’s 100-300mm f/2.8: Is This Zoom a Prime Killer?

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it.

Why Camera Snobs Hate Smartphones (and Why They’re Wrong)

Smartphones have come a long way as imaging tools, yet some still argue they aren’t “real” cameras. Traditionalists insist that only dedicated cameras count. But the reality is, smartphones are fully capable imaging devices, and dismissing them is more about personal bias than technical limitations.

Does Shooting Film Actually Make Photos Better?

Shooting film can completely change how you approach photography. It forces you to slow down, think more deliberately, and accept imperfections as part of the process. Many who started in digital find that switching to film rekindles their love for capturing images. But does film actually make an image better? Or is it just a different way to shoot?

The Real Reason News and Sports Use These Special Cameras

Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections.

How to Edit Landscape Photos for Maximum Impact

The right editing of a landscape photo can bring out details, improve contrast, and create a color balance that enhances a scene’s natural beauty. Here's how to do that in Lightroom.