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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

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.

Why Film Photography Still Matters—and Why You Might Want to Try It

Digital photography dominates, offering speed, convenience, and unlimited creative control. But shooting film forces you to slow down, think differently, and embrace an entirely different experience. The appeal isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a unique process that changes how you approach photography.

The Science Behind Disappointing Photos and How to Fix Them

Have you ever taken a photo of a breathtaking scene, only to find that the image doesn’t match what you remember? The colors seem dull, the depth is missing, and the overall impact just isn’t there. This is a common problem, and it comes down to the fundamental differences between how our eyes and brains process a scene versus what a camera can capture.

The Hidden Costs of Running a Photography Business

Running a photography business costs more than just a camera and a few lenses. The hidden expenses pile up fast, and if you’re not prepared, they can drain your budget before you realize what’s happening.

What Separates Pros From Amateurs

Planning makes or breaks a photo shoot. The difference between an average shot and a great one often comes down to preparation, not gear. If you show up without a plan, you’re gambling with time, money, and results.

The Psychology Behind Stronger Images

Composition makes or breaks an image. A busy scene can overwhelm the viewer, while a well-structured one guides the eye and creates impact. Understanding how people naturally interpret visual elements helps you control how your photos are perceived.

How to Shoot Film for Landscape Photography

Film photography offers a unique approach to capturing landscapes. Unlike digital, it forces you to slow down, consider each shot, and make deliberate choices. This makes it an excellent way to refine your skills and understand exposure, composition, and light in a deeper way.

How to Use Layer Masks in Photoshop Like a Pro

Layer masks are one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop. They let you hide or reveal parts of an image without making permanent changes. Whether you’re blending backgrounds, refining edges, or adjusting selective areas, understanding how to use layer masks effectively will save you time and give you more control.

Mastering the Intersect Command in Lightroom for Better Selections

The ability to make precise selections in photo editing can transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary. While masking tools have evolved significantly, understanding how to combine them strategically is key to achieving professional-grade results.

The Best Ways to Remove Distractions in Photoshop

Removing objects in Photoshop has come a long way. What once required careful cloning and manual blending is now faster and cleaner, thanks to AI-driven tools that handle even complex removals with minimal effort.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (January 2025): Alex Hill

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2025, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

Long Exposure Photography With Minimal Gear

When done well, A LONG EXPOSURE transforms ordinary scenes into something surreal. Smooth water, softened clouds, and simplified compositions give images a fine art feel. But dialing in the right exposure, balancing filters, and choosing the right settings require patience and experimentation.