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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Why Most People Struggle With Retouching and How to Fix It

Retouching photos can sometimes feel like an endless process that pulls you away from enjoying your photography. Finding a more efficient workflow is key. If you’re spending hours adjusting sliders and curves, you might be missing out on capturing more great shots.

Is the Canon PRO-1100 the Right Choice for Your First Printer?

Choosing the right printer can be overwhelming, especially when you’re considering a professional-grade model. This printer is designed for those who want to create gallery-quality prints, but it comes with a learning curve and a significant investment in both time and money.

The Benefits of Using More Than One Camera System

If you’ve ever considered using more than one camera system, you’re not alone. Recent polls show that nearly half of camera users have multiple systems, and many have even more. While it might seem like overkill at first, there are good reasons why people invest in different brands and models.

Exploring Affordable Vintage Medium Format Cameras

Vintage digital medium format cameras are finally starting to drop below $1,000, opening up a new world of opportunities for enthusiasts who’ve always been intrigued by these massive sensors but put off by the price. But are these older systems actually worth the investment, or are they just expensive paperweights?

How to Edit Autumn Landscapes for Richer Colors in Lightroom

With fall just around the corner, you might be wondering how to make the most of the changing foliage in your photography. One way is through some simple adjustments in Adobe Lightroom that can enhance the natural colors and give your images that warm autumn feel.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens has a lot to offer its predecessor. Lens upgrades can mean sharper images, better handling, and improved usability. But with the steep cost of new lenses, you want to make sure you’re getting value before making a switch.

Portrait Magic With Medium Format

The Fujifilm GFX 100S II offers the allure of medium format imaging in tandem with a 102-megapixel sensor. A camera like this provides features that can elevate your portrait game, but it comes at a significant investment. So, what sets it apart?

Dealing With Negative Comments: Don’t Let Critics Define Your Creativity

Criticism can sting, especially when you’re proud of a photo and someone shoots it down without a second thought. But in a world full of self-proclaimed experts, knowing how to filter out harmful comments and stay true to your own vision is key. Harsh feedback often comes from a place of insecurity or a narrow mindset, not from a desire to help you grow.

Tamron 35-150mm vs. Sigma 28-105mm: Which Lens Is Best for Weddings?

Choosing the right lens for wedding photography can be challenging, especially when you need versatility and quality for a range of scenarios. You want something that covers different focal lengths without compromising on optical performance. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD and Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art are two lenses that fit this bill, but making the choice between them comes down to your shooting style and needs.

Tips for Easier and More Effective Photo Editing

Editing is a love-hate relationship for many. For some, it’s the best part of photography. For others, it feels like a chore. It’s essential to find a way to make the process enjoyable and efficient, while also maintaining consistency in the look and feel of your images.

A Close Look at the Stunning Fujifilm Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 Lens

Using medium format cameras for wildlife and bird photography might seem unconventional, but the Fujifilm Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens changes the game. This long telephoto lens offers excellent image quality, strong stabilization, and a surprisingly lightweight build—all while retaining the detail and resolution that make medium format so appealing.

Why 'The Terminator' Still Feels Like It’s From the Future

"The Terminator" stands as a masterpiece of science fiction and action, not because of its visual effects or star power, but because it has stayed relevant for decades. It doesn’t feel like a relic from the past. It’s a film that can still grip you, make you think, and leave you wondering about the future. This timelessness is rare in cinema, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding how to blend action, narrative, and emotion seamlessly.

How to Use Two Lights for Outdoor Portraits

Lighting can make or break a portrait. Knowing when and how to use a two-light setup can elevate your work and help you control tricky lighting situations.

Finding Beauty in the Details: Exploring Intimate Landscapes

Intimate landscape photography captures the subtle, often overlooked details in nature. This approach offers a new way to explore and appreciate the beauty of small-scale compositions. By isolating textures, colors, and patterns, it enables you to find compelling visuals even in familiar or seemingly unremarkable locations.

Is the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 the Best Compact APS-C Lens?

Choosing a lightweight lens often means trading off build quality and image quality for portability. But for those who need something compact and capable, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF offers a lot.

The 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: An Extremely Affordable Lens With Trade-offs

The 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a budget-friendly option that aims to provide macro enthusiasts with impressive close-up shots. This lens, unlike some of its predecessors, offers a full frame image circle, making it more versatile for those who want to experiment with extreme magnification. While the low price and features are tempting, the lens has some significant shortcomings you’ll want to consider.

Creating Powerful Portraits with Simple Lighting Techniques

Light is more than just a way to illuminate your subject—it’s the key to creating mood and emotion in an image. With a blank wall and a single subject, the right use of lighting can turn an ordinary scene into something that tells a story.