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Alex Cooke
Cleveland, OH

Articles written by Alex Cooke

A Beginner's Guide to Long Exposure Photography: When and How to Do It

Long exposures are something almost every photographer tries at some point, and they can be a fun way to create images that the naked eye would never be able to see. This great video will discuss some motivations for shooting long exposure images and how to do it.

How to Avoid Having to Check Your Camera Gear When Flying

Few sentences strike fear into the heart of a photographer like "you're going to have to check that bag." This helpful video will explain how you can avoid having to check your expensive and fragile photography equipment.

How to Light for an Eye-catching, Cinematic Look in Black and White

Some of the most iconic films and scenes in history were shot in black and white, often because of a very deliberate intention. This awesome video will walk you through the unique aspects and considerations you should take into account when you're lighting a black and white scene of your own.

Using LED Lights for Portrait Photography: The Good and the Bad

If you're new to artificial lighting, you may be wondering about using constant LED lights versus more traditional strobes. This excellent video will show you the pros and cons of using LEDs and why you might prefer one over the other.

Three Helpful Ways to Find and Use the Layer You Need in Photoshop

Layers are one of the most fundamental parts of Photoshop, and they're crucial to even the simplest of edits. However, as you take on increasingly complex post-processing tasks, the number of layers you're using can skyrocket, and this helpful video will show you how to quickly find the one you need at any given moment.

Here Are Seven Common Mistakes Beginner Photographers Make

When you're first starting out in photography, the number of things you have to keep track of to create compelling, technically sound images can feel a bit overwhelming. This great video will show you seven common mistakes beginner photographers make and how to avoid them.

Here Are 10 Location Ideas for Your Next Photoshoot

Sometimes, it's more fun and interesting to stop shooting every portrait at f/1.4 and instead find locations that complement or juxtapose with your subject to create more compelling photos. This helpful video will give you 10 location ideas that should be accessible for just about everyone.

Five Helpful Ways to Improve Your Landscape Photography

Landscape photography can be both a fun and frustrating genre, as you get lots of creative freedom to represent the subject however you'd like, but there are also lots of variables outside your control. This great video will show you five tips to improve your landscape work through simplification.

Five Helpful Tips for Better Photos When Posing Dancers and Performers

Every model is trained is posing, but dancers take it a step in a different direction with their ability to contort, control, and push their bodies in spectacular ways. This great video will show you five tips for getting better photos when you're working with dancers.

Improve Your Photos by Looking at All of Them, Not Just the Keepers

We tend to devote most of the attention we pay toward our own photography to our portfolio shots; after all, those are the images that we show off to the world, that carry our brand, and that instill pride from our accomplishments. However, we can learn just as much (if not more) from the images that didn't make the cut.

Here Are 25 Terms Every Photographer Should Know

If you're new to photography, you were probably recently excited to start learning how to create gorgeous images when you were suddenly blindsided by a veritable bevy of technical terms. This great video will introduce you to 25 terms you should know and give helpful explanations for each of them.

Talent Is Overrated: Here's How to Become a Better Photographer

Talent can be a strange and nebulous thing, and we often ascribe it way too much importance, which can in turn be a serious roadblock to growing as a creative. This great video examines the idea of talent and why you shouldn't be so worried about it.

Talking Ethics: When It's Time to Put Your Camera or Phone Away

At least here in the U.S., having a camera means that under the First Amendment, you can pretty much photograph whatever you want, whenever you want, as long as you're in a public place where there's no reasonable expectation of privacy. Of course, being able to do something doesn't always mean you should do it.

Using the Solitude of Photography to Escape Modern Life

Photography can be a really solitary pursuit, especially in some genres that require you to venture into the wilderness by yourself, sometimes for days. This great video examines why that feeling of being alone may actually be a good thing.

Some Super Helpful Tips for Creating Better Landscape Photos

Landscape photography is a unique genre full of all sorts of quirks and pathways to success. Whether you're new to it or a seasoned pro, this helpful video will run through a multitude of tips to improve your photos and make the experience more enjoyable.

The Story of Why Kodak Went From Photography Giant to Bankrupt

It really wasn't that long ago that Kodak was as ubiquitous in photography as the camera itself, and yet, nowadays, the company is sadly a shell of its former self. This great video examines just what happened to bring the former titan to its knees.