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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

A Better Way to Enhance Contrast and Detail in Lightroom

Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw give you plenty of powerful tools to enhance your images, but some adjustments can do more harm than good if used incorrectly. Over-processing is easy to spot—crushed shadows, unnatural contrast, and an artificial look that takes away from the image instead of improving it. Three sliders in particular tend to cause the most damage when misused.

Simple Lightroom Tricks to Make Snow Scenes More Atmospheric

Winter scenes often look stunning in person but can appear flat and unremarkable in post-processing. Snow creates a high-key, low-contrast effect that lacks depth and dimension. Adding atmosphere and subtle contrast can make the image more engaging without overprocessing it.

How to Find Originality in Your Photography Without Forcing It

You might feel like everything has already been photographed, leaving little room for originality. That feeling can be frustrating, making it seem impossible to create something fresh when so many great images already exist. The key isn't to chase originality but to change how you think about creativity and inspiration.

The Small Adjustments That Make a Big Difference

Studio photography gives you complete control over every element of an image, from the background to the lighting to the focal point. That control means you’re responsible for every decision, and small choices can make a big difference in the final result. Understanding how to shape light, adjust focus, and create a balanced composition can elevate your images beyond simple snapshots.

The Biggest Mistake Photographers Make When Choosing Gear

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Tricky Event Photos

Mixed lighting and uneven exposures are challenges you’re bound to face, especially in event photography where lighting conditions are unpredictable. Here's how to fix them in Lightroom.

Why Many Photographers Struggle and How to Adapt

The photography industry has changed dramatically over the past decade, and 2025 has brought new challenges that many are struggling to overcome. With trends shifting, technology advancing, and the market becoming more competitive, it’s crucial to adapt to the evolving landscape if you want to stay ahead.

Five Essential Gear Upgrades for Portrait Photography

When it comes to improving your portrait photography, having the right tools can make all the difference. The right gear can elevate the quality of your images, improve your workflow, and help you experiment with techniques that refine your craft and creativity.

Mastering the Tone Curve: Lightroom Editing Tips

The tone curve in Lightroom is a powerful tool for adjusting the exposure and tonal balance of your photos. Mastering this feature can help you achieve more refined edits, creating a polished, professional look.

How to Use Smoke for Cinematic Portraits

Handheld smoke machines have changed the way you can create dramatic, cinematic portraits. They give you the ability to add depth, texture, and atmosphere to your images with ease. It’s a powerful tool to elevate the storytelling in your portraits.

Money, Networking, and Growth: Hard Lessons for Creatives

Understanding how to manage the business side of your creative career can make the difference between struggling and thriving. From finances to networking, mastering a few key principles can save you years of frustration and help you build a more sustainable career.

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Modifiers

Modifiers are essential tools for shaping light, and knowing how to use them can dramatically affect the look and feel of your images. These tools allow you to control the quality, direction, and intensity of light, which is crucial whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or events.

Lightroom Slider Secrets: A Guide to Sharpening and Contrast

Understanding how key sliders in Lightroom work can transform your approach. Sliders like Texture, Clarity, and Dehaze are powerful tools that shape how details, edges, and light appear in your photos. Learning their nuances helps you make informed decisions when enhancing your images.

How Reflectors Can Instantly Improve Your Portraits

Improving your portraits doesn’t always mean investing in expensive gear. Sometimes, a simple tool like a reflector can make a world of difference. Reflectors are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to use.

Black vs. White Grids: Do They Really Make a Difference?

Light control is one of the most important aspects of photography. Whether you’re lighting a subject or creating mood through shadows, tools like grids can shape how your final image looks. But not all grids are the same, and subtle differences can affect the results in ways you might not expect.

How to Make Digital Photos Look Like Film in Lightroom

Making digital photos look like film is something many people are interested in, but achieving authentic results can be tricky. One area that often gets overlooked is the appearance of grain. Getting it right can significantly enhance your images by mimicking the subtle imperfections that define film.