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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Even James Bond Can Mess Up an Action Scene: A Lesson in Film Geography

I think few would dispute that the Daniel Craig reboot of the Bond films saved the franchise, but that doesn't mean it's been all perfect filmmaking since. This great video essay examines why even probably the most famous action franchise can mess up action scenes.

Should You Go to Film School? Here's What a Graduate Has to Say

There are some professions in which having a college degree is not only recommended, it's a job requirement. Then there are some in which having a degree may or may not be worth it. This great video explores why one filmmaker got a college degree and if he thinks it was worth it.

How to Take Great Landscape Photos Even With Gray Skies

When you think of the sky in landscape photos, I bet you think of gorgeous sunsets full of luscious, vivid colors or puffy clouds floating over a blue backdrop, perfectly complementing the elements below. You probably don't think of drab, gray skies. Nonetheless, it's still possible to get great shots with less-than-stellar views above, and this video will show you how.

Get a Rare Discount on One of the Best Lighting Modifiers in the World Today Only

The Broncolor parabolic reflectors are some of the most unique and versatile lighting modifiers out there, with their true parabolic shape creating a beautifully sculpting light and their focusing rod feature allowing one to change the hardness and contrast of the light on the fly. Today only, B&H is offering a rare discount on all sizes, with 20 percent savings across the board.

Harrowing Footage Shows North Korean Soldier Shot and Rescued During Defection

On November 13, a North Korean soldier defected through the demilitarized zone, eventually being shot 5 times by fellow North Korean soldiers before lying about 55 yards over the border, where he was dragged to safety by South Korean sergeants 40 minutes later. This video from the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission shows the harrowing escape from start to rescue.

Why Landscape and Cityscape Photographers Should Also Carry a Telephoto Lens

When you think of landscape and cityscape photography, you likely think of wide angle lenses designed to maximize the amount of the scene you can fit in the frame. And while these are the first choice of many photographers, this video makes a great case for why you should also carry along a telephoto lens.

How to Develop Your Own Black and White Film at Home: No Darkroom Needed

Shooting film is a lot of fun, but part of what pushes photographers away from it is the cost, a lot of which is tied up in developing. This awesome video will show you how to develop your own black and white film in your bathroom with a minimal kit and much lower costs than sending it out.

Some Helpful Sound Design Tips for Filmmakers

Sound and image go together like chocolate and peanut butter, so if one is a little off, the whole concoction is spoiled. This helpful video will give you some very practical tips and tricks for creating realistic and effective sound design for your video work.

If You Pointed a Camera Into Space, How Far Could You See?

Let's suppose you had a gigantic zoom lens — so big that you could effectively zoom as far as you wanted to frame any object. If you pointed it into space, how far could you see? It turns out that you could see a really long way away and yet, not that far at all.

How to Construct Your Own High-Quality V-Flats for Studio Photography

Who's ready to go to Home Depot and undertake an easy weekend DIY project to improve your studio work? This helpful video will show you how to construct your own v-flats, a highly useful and versatile (and cheap) tool every studio photographer should have.

Meet the Photographer Who Turned a Camper Into a Giant Camera and Darkroom

What's the biggest camera you've shot with? If you're like most of us, you might have dabbled with medium format or if you're really passionate, maybe even a 4x5 or 8x10 large format camera. This photographer is putting all of us to shame with his camper that he converted into a giant functioning camera and darkroom.

Ten Useful Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts

There are some things in life you just can't have enough of: chocolate, puppies, and Photoshop keyboard shortcuts being some of those things. This awesome video will show you 10 lesser-known keyboard shortcuts that can make your work in Photoshop more efficient and fun.

A Helpful Approach to Taking Street Photography That Works for You

Street photography is a tough genre: it can offer an intimate and unfiltered look at life, but many photographers are hesitant to engage in it because it can lead to unpleasant or even dangerous situations. This interesting video examines the many ways one can engage in it beyond just the most well-known approaches.

Ten Video Shots to Use When You're Out of Ideas and Need to Get Footage

Life as a videographer or photographer would be awesome if every shoot and subject had the time and patience to allow us to think through every shot and experiment with our creativity, but that's simply not the way things are. Even if you're not sure how to tackle a project, this helpful video will give you a list of shots that will help you get usable footage.

Using Photography to Battle Loneliness

The truth is that many of us get into some form of artistic expression as escapism or at the very least, as a way of expressing our inner thoughts and feelings. This photographer talks about how photography became a means of creating interaction with other humans and even helping to heal his relationship with his father.

Look High, Look Low: Keep an Open Mind When Shooting Photos

When we head out to shoot, we often have some specific image in mind, or if not a single photo, at least a certain way of going about the process. The great video reminds us that the opportunity for great images is often much more diverse than we might initially anticipate.

How to Create Fuller Eyebrows Using Photoshop

Natural, fuller eyebrows are a classic look that seem to be enjoying a resurgence recently. This fun and helpful video will show you how to easily create fuller eyebrows on your subject using Photoshop.