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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Navigating Financial Challenges in Photography

The financial landscape for photographers has always been unpredictable. You might have a great year followed by months of little to no work. This ebb and flow can make it difficult to maintain a consistent income.

Monopods: When and Why to Use Them

Monopods are a versatile and often overlooked tool. They offer a unique blend of stability and mobility that can be crucial for certain types of photography.

Outdoor Family Portraits: Lighting and Location Essentials

Scouting locations for outdoor family portraits requires a thoughtful approach to lighting, composition, and finding the right environment to make your subjects shine. Whether you’re dealing with direct sunlight or working in shaded areas, understanding how light interacts with your surroundings is crucial.

Simple Tips to Instantly Improve Your Photography

Improving your photography skills doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re new to photography or just looking to refine your craft, there are some straightforward tips that can make a big difference in how you approach taking pictures.

Is the Fujifilm X-T50 Worth It? Key Features and Trade-offs

The Fujifilm X-T50 offers nearly all the advanced features of its pricier siblings but in a more compact and affordable package. With a 40-megapixel sensor and in-body stabilization, it’s designed to bridge the gap between high-end performance and portability.

Why Excuses Are Ruining Your Photography

The drive for success often meets a major roadblock: self-doubt. When you let it control you, it can freeze your progress, making you feel stuck and frustrated. If you’re finding it hard to pick up your camera because you’re overwhelmed by negative thoughts, you’re not alone.

Why Identifying Your Subject is Crucial in Photography

It might sound simple, but one of the most critical elements is identifying the subject within your frame. Without a clear subject, your viewer’s eye has nowhere to settle, leaving your photo feeling chaotic and unfinished.

Transform Your Photos with Simple Lightroom Adjustments

Creating magical light in your photos can turn a good image into something truly captivating. If you’ve ever struggled with making a bright, contrast-rich scene feel more dynamic and visually appealing, this tutorial might be exactly what you need.

Is the Pentax 17 Worth It? Pros and Cons Explored

When it comes to film cameras, the Pentax 17 has sparked quite a bit of interest. If you’re considering diving into film photography or are simply looking to add another camera to your collection, here's a good look at the Pentax 17.

Techniques for Turning Harsh Light into Photographic Art

Harsh light is often seen as a photographer's nemesis, washing out colors and flattening textures. But what if you could turn that challenging light into a creative advantage? That's exactly what this video explores.

How to Reignite Your Passion for Photography

Feeling stuck in your photography? It’s not uncommon to hit a creative wall where the joy of capturing images fades, leaving you unmotivated. If this sounds familiar, there's a photographer whose work might reignite your passion.

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8: A Versatile Powerhouse

When you're faced with the question, "If you could only have one lens, what would it be?" it can be a tough one, especially if you're a gear enthusiast. But if you had to choose, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD would be a good candidate.

The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: A Budget-Friendly Lens With Big Potential

Nikon has just released the Z 35mm f/1.4 lens, and it's catching attention for its bright aperture and affordable price. This lens is a compelling option if you’re looking to capture stunning wide angle shots without breaking the bank.

Mastering Framing Techniques for Stunning Landscape Photos

Framing is one of the most powerful tools in photography. It’s not just about what’s in your shot, but how you use the environment to draw attention to your subject. The way you position elements within your frame can turn a simple scene into something extraordinary, guiding the viewer’s eye and adding layers of meaning to your image.

The Importance of Consistent Practice in Photography

The impact of consistent practice on your photography skills can't be overstated. Returning to a familiar event or place after years away can reveal surprising changes in your approach and results, highlighting the importance of regular shooting to maintain and improve your craft.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs. R5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

When a company releases an upgrade to a popular camera model, the question isn’t just about the new features—it’s about whether it’s worth upgrading. The Canon EOS R5 was already a standout in the mirrorless camera market, but now the EOS R5 Mark II is here, promising to raise the bar even higher.

Choosing Between Lightroom and Photoshop

Many photographers often wonder whether to use Lightroom or Bridge and Photoshop for managing and editing their images. Deciding between them isn’t just about preference—it’s about efficiency, ease of use, and how you prefer to organize and edit your images.

Compact and Lightweight: Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 Review

The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers an affordable entry point for photographers using Canon's EOS R mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. You might wonder if this budget-friendly option can deliver quality results or if it's worth considering alternatives.