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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

How to Use Flash to Shoot Better Portraits in the Sun

Shooting with a wide aperture for portraits with a shallow depth of field is a highly popular look, but when you are photographing in the sun with flash, you can run into impossible-to-solve exposure issues — impossible until you introduce some new techniques. This helpful video tutorial will show how to deal with strong sun in outdoor portrait situations to produce better images.

Canon Is Planning an Ultra-High-Resolution Mirrorless Camera

The Canon 5DS and 5DS R were notable for offering 50-megapixel sensors at a time when that was an extremely high resolution for a full frame camera. Nowadays, 45-50 megapixels is much more common on higher-end camera bodies, with full frame options topping out at 61 megapixels. It looks like Canon plans to eclipse that figure by a significant amount with a new camera, however.

Is the Sony a7 IV Worth the Upgrade Over the a7 III?

The Sony a7 III was widely lauded as one of the most impressive and well-balanced hybrid cameras ever made, making its successor, the a7 IV, one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent memory. Now that the a7 IV is here, is it worth upgrading from the a7 III or can you stick with what you already have? This great video comparison will help you answer that question.

What's the Better Camera for Portraits and Weddings, the Sony a7 IV or Canon EOS R6?

When it comes to wedding photography, most users will want well-balanced cameras with advanced autofocus, decent resolution, good low-light performance, and more, all without being too expensive. Two options that fit those descriptions well are the Sony a7 IV and Canon EOS R6, and this great video comparison takes a look at both cameras and discusses which is the better choice.

How to Control the Shadows to Create More Interesting Photos

Modern digital cameras have unbelievable dynamic range and post-processing latitude compared to those of a decade ago, and that has encouraged a lot of us to simply automatically bring the shadows up on every photo without a second thought. Is that the best choice, though? Maybe not. This great video discusses why you should reconsider how you treat the shadows in your photos and how to go about doing so.

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's GFX line of medium format mirrorless cameras brought a level of popularity to a sensor size traditionally reserved for rental houses and a select few photographers by offering a modern take on the format and more importantly, doing so at a competitive price. This great video review takes a look at the latest member of the line, the GFX 50S II, and the performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

5 Helpful Composition Tips for Beginner Landscape Photographers

Composition is something a lot of newer landscape photographers struggle with, particularly since it cannot be as easily codified as something like the right camera settings. If you are learning landscape photography and you want to improve your compositions, check out this excellent video tutorial that will give you five tips that are sure to set you on the right path.

Four Weeks With the New Leica M11 Camera

The Leica M11 has arrived, and it has taken several impressive steps forward that establish it as a modern, professional camera while still providing the classic Leica experience the company's users look for. If you have been considering the camera, this excellent video review discusses one photographer's experience with it after four weeks.

How to Always Enjoy Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a unique genre in that you do not have control over the light and conditions, and even if you do your best to plan for the right scenario, you are not guaranteed to get it. So, how do you accept the conditions you are given and still enjoy the experience even when things are not going your way? This excellent video features an experienced landscape photographer discussing how to get the most out of every trip.

What Photography Trends Are You Sick Of?

Photography sits at the intersection of technology and art, and as such, it is susceptible to twice as many trends than otherwise, many of which are annoying or even damaging. Here are five trends one photographer is sick of seeing.

Thoughts on the New OM System OM-1 Mirrorless Camera

Olympus (or OM System) is back, and it has made some impressive steps forward with the new OM-1 mirrorless camera that re-establish it as a competitive camera manufacturer. No camera is perfect, of course, and this great video discusses where OM System should invest time and money next to continue to reassert the brand.

Sigma Lenses Finally Arrive for Fujifilm Cameras: A First Look

Fujifilm users have reason to smile today, as they will no longer be left out of the Sigma lens party. The company has announced their first three lenses for the Fujifilm X mount, and all three are impressively affordable. This great video review takes a first look at the new lenses and the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from them.

How to Take Handheld Panoramic Photos

Panoramic photos can be stunning to look at, but they can also take a fair bit of technical expertise and preparation to get right. If you are out and about, it may be cumbersome and annoying to set up a tripod and go through the process. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to instead shoot panoramic photos handheld.

Can Nikon's Latest Lens Keep Up With the Demands of High-Resolution Photos and Video?

400mm f/2.8 lenses are one of the standard pieces of gear for professional sports and wildlife photographers, and given their extreme designs, they often contain some of the best technology and features a company can offer. The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens is no stranger to that trend, and this great video review takes a look at if it can keep up with the demands of 45-megapixel images and 8K video.

What's in a Professional Wedding Photographer's Bag?

Wedding photographers often have to wear several distinct hats over the course of a day, and as such, they need a wide variety of gear in their bags to be sure they have all situations covered. If you are wondering what all it takes to pull off a full day of shooting, check out this great video that takes you through a professional wedding photographer's gear bag.

This Great Video Shows How Little You Need to Create Excellent Portraits

It is certainly true that a lot of professional portrait photographers use a wide variety of lighting equipment to achieve the looks they want, and while there is a good reason for having all that gear at one's disposal, it is important to remember what you can create with the bare minimum and a good understanding of how light behaves. This excellent video tutorial will show you how you can create dramatic portraits using nothing more than the light coming through the door of a garage.

How to Compose Successful Photos Using a Wide Angle Lens

A wide angle lens is one of the most useful tools a photographer can have in their bag, but they can be deceptively difficult to create compelling images with. If you struggle with your wide angle lens and want to improve your photos, check out this great video tutorial that will give you some helpful tips to send you on your way.

Your Camera Is Probably Better Than You

Camera technology has advanced at a breakneck pace, particularly in the last few years, as a bit of an arms race has emerged between the various manufacturers competing for the mirrorless space. It can be easy to get caught up in all that hype, but at the end of the day, it is important to remember that your camera is probably better than you.