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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

The Bokeh Machine: A Review of the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens

A 135mm lens is a popular alternative focal length to the classic 85mm when it comes to portraits. Sony's 135mm f/1.8 looks like one of the best of the bunch, and this excellent video review takes a look at the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.

When Gear Gets in Your Way

No doubt, new gear is a lot of fun to play with, but it is not always a better thing. In fact, new gear, too much, or overly complicated equipment can actually become a hindrance to your work. This excellent video essay discusses how gear can sometimes get in your way and stop you from creating your best work.

Take $500 Off a Sigma Art Lens Today Only

Sigma's Art series of lenses has matured into a very comprehensive and capable line, allowing the company to also add some more unique offerings, such as the 40mm f/1.4 Art. Today only, you can take $500 off that lens.

Shooting and Printing a Fine Art Photograph

If you are like most of us, you are probably spending the vast majority of your time at home right now, and there is no better time than now to start exploring printing your own images. This excellent video tutorial will take you through the process of shooting, editing, and printing your own fine art photo.

Helpful Composition Advice for Landscape Photography

Composition is a tricky and nuanced art when it comes to landscape photography, and it helps to have a variety of tips and general guidelines in your toolbox. This excellent video tutorial will give you some helpful advice to create better landscape image compositions.

The Fun of Mounting a 360 Camera on a Drone

Drones and 360 cameras are some of the most unique photographic devices out there, and so, it is only natural to want to combine them. Unfortunately, there are not any 360-capable drones out there, but that did not stop this photographer from coming up with a DIY solution of his own to put his 360 camera on top of his drone. Check out this fun video that shows the sort of things you can do with the combination.

How Does the Fujifilm X-S10 Compare to the X-T4 and X-T30?

Fujifilm's X-S10 mirrorless camera sits as a more affordable alternative to some of the company's more expensive X Series options, but it still brings with it a variety of useful features for professionals and amateurs alike. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the kind of performance you can expect, as well as how it compares to the more expensive X-T4 and X-T30.

How to Use Leading Lines for Landscape Photography Compositions

A strong grasp of composition is one of the cornerstones of successful landscape photography and one of the most powerful ways to create stronger images. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to leverage leading lines to create compelling landscape compositions.

Why a Flash Can Improve Your Portraits in Sunlight

If you are new to photography, it can seem a bit counterintuitive that you would use a flash when shooting in direct sunlight, but it can vastly improve your portraits. This excellent video tutorial will show you why you should use a flash in such a situation and how it will improve your photos.

Everything You Need to Know About Photographing Seascapes

The beauty of a seascape is that because of the moving water, no two shots are ever the same, and changing conditions can yield entirely different shots of the same scene. If you want to improve your seascape photos, check out this fantastic video guide that will show you everything you need to know, from gear to techniques.

A Review of the Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Camera

The second generation of Nikon's full frame mirrorless cameras is here, and the Nikon Z 6II takes the foundation laid in the original version and brings a number of improvements and new features. If you have been interested in the camera, check out this great video review.

Everything You Have Ever Wanted to Know About Lenses

There is literally no piece of photographic equipment more important than the lens, and it behooves any photographer to become well acquainted with the properties, types, and characteristics of them. This ultra-comprehensive video discusses everything you will ever need to know about lenses, ranging from their properties to how to choose the right kind for your work.

Nikon Says Things Are Getting Better for the Company

2020 has seen a lot of speculation that Nikon is in serious trouble, both due to its own internal issues and the ongoing pandemic's consequences. However, in a recent interview, the company has said that things are looking up.

11 Ideas for Great Holiday Photos

It is the holiday season, and with many of us stuck at home, you might be looking for a creative project to keep the juices flowing. So, why not combine the season with your creativity and shoot some fantastic holiday photos? This excellent video tutorial will give you 11 ideas for fun and creative shots.

3 Type of Microphones for Video Work

No matter how good your video work is, if you do not have solid audio to accompany it, it will not be a successful final product. One of the most important steps for capturing good audio is knowing which type of microphone to use. This excellent video will show you three different types of microphones for use in video work.

The Difference Between a Beauty Dish and an Octabox

The beauty dish and the octabox are two of the most fundamental lighting modifiers out there, but they have properties and ways of rendering your subjects that are appropriate for different circumstances. If you are new to lighting, this fantastic video will show you the differences between the two with a lot of example photos.

How to Use Cheap Mirrors to Create Stunningly Real Sunlight Effects

The look of natural sunlight streaming through a window is a classic and a great way to create both mood and visual interest in a shot. However, a window with sunlight streaming through it is not always available to us. This great video tutorial will show you how to recreate the look using cheap mirrors.

How to Create Better Compositions Using a Telephoto Lens for Landscape Photography

The majority of the time, we will normally reach for a wide angle lens for landscape photography work, but that does not mean there is not a place for telephoto lenses too, though they definitely require a different approach. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to create better compositions using a telephoto lens for your landscape photos.

Learn How This Night Portrait Was Shot

Nighttime portraits can be a fantastic way to capture a different look and mood than a normal photo, but they present more challenging lighting scenarios simply because you cannot rely on natural light. If you would like to learn how to shoot compelling and well-lit nighttime portraits, check out this fantastic video tutorial that goes behind the scenes of a three-light shot that includes gels.

Should You Buy Canon's RF 600mm f/11 or RF 800mm f/11 Lens?

The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses both offer extreme reach in portable packages and at very affordable prices, but with so many similarities, you are unlikely to buy both. So, how do you choose between them? This helpful video answers that question.