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Alex Cooke
Cleveland, OH

Articles written by Alex Cooke

Mastering Photo Processing: Common Mistakes

The way you process your photos can make or break them. It’s not just about the tools you use, but about the attention to detail and the feel you want to convey.

Exploring Large Format Photography With the Intrepid 8x10

Shooting with an 8x10 camera is a bit like entering an exclusive club—one that comes with high costs, steep learning curves, and some serious frustrations. But the rewards? They can be worth every bit of the hassle if you're up for the challenge.

How to Create Custom Images in Photoshop With AI

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to create the perfect image in Photoshop, the new “Generate Image” feature might be what you need. Whether you're working on a blog, a newsletter, or just exploring new ideas, this feature could save you time and effort.

How to Control Dynamic Range With Exposure Bracketing

Exposure bracketing is a technique that can significantly improve your landscape photography by helping you deal with difficult lighting situations. If you've ever struggled with blown-out skies or muddy, noisy shadows, bracketing might be the solution you're looking for.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (August 2024): Louise Downham

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 2024, 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.

How to Avoid Over-Editing Your Landscape Photos

Editing your landscape photos can be a tricky process, especially when you're just starting out. It's easy to get caught up in the desire to make every image look perfect, but this can lead to common mistakes that actually detract from the quality of your work.

Finding Creativity in Boring Locations: A Practical Guide

Taking interesting photographs in unremarkable places can be a challenge, but it's also an essential skill for anyone serious about photography. It's easy to find inspiration in bustling cities or picturesque landscapes, but what about when you're in a quiet village or a nondescript suburban area? The ability to see potential in these seemingly dull environments is what can set you apart as a photographer.

Debunking Myths That Are Holding Back Your Photography Career

There's a lot of advice floating around that can seem helpful but might actually be hurting your photography career. Some of the most common suggestions, especially the ones circulating on YouTube, can mislead you and even stall your progress.

Transforming a Dull Photo into a Dramatic Image

Knowing what you can do in post-processing before you even take the shot is a powerful skill. It transforms how you approach photography, allowing you to capture scenes with the confidence that you can shape them later to fit your vision. In this example, you start with a rather dull image, lacking contrast and vibrant colors, and transform it into something stunning.

How to Make Your Black and White Photos Stand Out

Black and white photography isn’t just about removing color from an image. It’s about creating something new, something that perhaps existed only in your mind before. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of black and white photography or how it can unlock your creative potential, don't miss this video.

The Real Secret to Creativity in Photography

Creativity is a topic that stirs up many questions, especially for those passionate about their craft. Whether you’re holding a camera or playing an instrument, the quest to unlock creativity is a journey that’s both challenging and deeply personal.

How to Ditch Adobe and Save Money

Removing Adobe apps from your computer is a big decision, especially when you've been using them for years as a photographer or content creator. These tools are deeply ingrained in the creative process for many, but they also come with a significant financial burden. If you're looking to cut costs or avoid subscription fees, alternatives can be crucial for maintaining your workflow without breaking the bank.

Why You Should Treat Your Zoom Lens Like a Prime

Using a zoom lens might seem straightforward, but there are a few strategies that can significantly improve your experience. This video covers essential tips that will help you get the most out of your zoom lens, turning it from a simple tool into a versatile extension of your creative vision.

Why 'Rear Window' Is a Masterclass in Cinematic Tension

"Rear Window" remains a cinematic masterpiece, not just for its storytelling, but for the way Alfred Hitchcock used the camera to enhance suspense. Even 70 years after its release, this film captivates viewers with its meticulous use of perspective, creating an experience that's as thrilling now as it was when it first premiered.

How to Capture Perfect Light in Landscape Photography

Capturing a stunning landscape is as much about patience as it is about skill. Sometimes, you’re simply at the mercy of the elements, waiting to see if the light will cooperate. But when it does, the results can be magical.

Achieving a Natural Look: Lightroom Color Grading Tips

Balancing color grading with the preservation of natural skin tones is key to producing professional-quality portraits. This guide focuses on simple but effective methods to create a clean, cohesive look across your images, without sacrificing the details that matter most.

Using Photography to Discover Your True Self

Photography is often seen as a way to capture moments or document the world around us. But it can also be a powerful tool for self-exploration. Your images aren't just about what you see—they’re about who you are and how you see yourself in the world.