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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Two Years With the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

While the more specialized models generally get more attention, the Sony a7 line has long been the bread and butter camera of choice for many creatives who need a solid balance of photo and video features at a price that won't break the bank. How has the a7 IV held up over time? This great video review takes a long-term look at the camera and how it holds up to demanding modern workflows.

Golden Hour Photography: A Guide to Mastering the Magic Light

Golden hour, the time just after sunrise or before sunset, offers a unique and enchanting light that photographers love. This magical hour presents an opportunity to create images with a warm, soft, and dreamy quality that can't be replicated at any other time of the day. This helpful video tutorial offers 10 tips sure to improve your portraits.

Embracing the Environment in Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography often gravitates towards close-up, frame-filling portraits, capturing intricate details of the subject. However, this approach, while initially appealing, can limit the storytelling potential of a photograph. This helpful video will show you how including context can improve your work.

Demystifying Professional Photography: Bridging the Gap Between Amateurs and Pros

Photography, at least as presented on many platforms, often portrays an elusive world of "pro secrets," creating a divide between amateur photographers and seasoned professionals. This perceived barrier is crucial to understand, as it influences how emerging photographers view their journey and growth in the field. The video tackles this issue head-on, discussing the importance of breaking down these barriers and fostering a more inclusive photography community.

A Review of the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens

At just 5.9 oz (167 g), the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is an extremely portable lens, making it an intriguing choice for people like landscape and travel photographers who want a versatile set of focal lengths without a lot of bulk. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Exploring the Depth of W. Eugene Smith's Journey in Pittsburgh

In the world of photography, few stories are as captivating and instructive as that of W. Eugene Smith and his monumental project in Pittsburgh. This tale is not only about artistic passion but also serves as a profound lesson for photographers on the complexities of capturing a city's soul.

Lessons from a 30-Day Photography Challenge

Undertaking a 30-day challenge can be a transformative experience, pushing you to explore new techniques, subjects, and perspectives. These challenges are crucial for growth, as they force you out of their comfort zones and encourage the daily practice that is essential for honing one’s craft.

Which Camera Brand Produces Your Favorite Colors?

Color science is a subtle thing that nonetheless generates a lot of passionate debate among photographers. Can you really tell the difference, though? Which brand do you prefer? This fantastic video takes a look at four popular brands to help you pick.

Beyond Manual Mode: Why You Should Try Other Camera Modes

The misconception that professional photography necessitates always shooting in manual mode is a common hurdle for beginners. This video addresses this myth, explaining why mastering other camera modes is equally important for photographers at any skill level and why those other modes are actually the better choice much of the time. Understanding these modes can significantly ease the learning journey and make you a better photographer.

Navigating the Waves of Creativity: Insights for Every Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, understanding and navigating through various creative cycles is essential. This video delves into a topic every photographer, regardless of their experience level, will encounter at some point. Its relevance extends beyond photography, encompassing all artistic pursuits, offering insights and strategies for dealing with different phases of creativity.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (December 2023): Christine Kennedy

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 2023, 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.

Photography's Busy 2023

The year 2023 has been pivotal for the world of photography, marked by significant technological advancements and shifting trends. This year was only about new camera and lens releases, but also about the broader implications developments had on the art and practice of photography.

Charting a Path to Creative Independence: A Photographer's Journey from London to Bali

The quest for a sustainable work-life balance and creative evolution is a journey many photographers (and others) aspire to. This pursuit is not just about capturing stunning visuals; it's about achieving a lifestyle that harmonizes passion and livelihood. This interesting video shares the inspiring story of a photographer who relocated from London to Bali, seeking not only to diversify their portfolio but also to establish economic independence as a remote creative professional.

Canon Turns Its Attention to More Affordable Full Frame Lenses

Canon has released a huge range of impressive and expensive lenses, but not every creative can afford or wants such lenses. That's why it's great news to see the company exploring more affordable full frame lenses, as detailed in some new designs.

2024: The Year of the Lens Revolution

The photography landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the field of lens technology. As we approach 2024, two key trends have become increasingly evident: the emergence of revolutionary lens designs and the rise of high-quality, affordable lenses. This pivotal shift is reshaping the choices available to both professional photographers and enthusiasts, setting the stage for what could be a landmark year in photographic equipment.

Mastering the Art of Photographic Selection: Seeing Beyond the Obvious

In a world saturated with photographic subjects, it's a challenge focusing on the most important. Learning to see the potential in everything around us and distilling it into compelling images is one of the most important journeys for any budding photographer. The advice from a seasoned photographer that "painting is the art of addition, while photography is the art of subtraction" underscores the concept, and this great video tutorial will show you how to go about implementing it.