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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Why Expensive Gear Won’t Make You a Better Photographer

Many photographers believe that upgrading their gear is essential for capturing great shots, but this notion may be more limiting than helpful. The obsession with the latest cameras and lenses often overshadows what actually makes an image successful.

Photography Myths That Are Holding You Back

There’s no shortage of advice on what you should and shouldn’t do in photography, but not all advice will serve you well. Misguided myths can actually hold you back from capturing the photos you envision.

Mastering Landscape Photography Techniques in Fiordland

Capturing the raw beauty of landscapes often means venturing off the beaten path and braving the elements. Understanding how to work in diverse and challenging environments, while also learning to find compositions within these unpredictable settings, is invaluable.

ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Review: Pros, Cons, and Real-World Performance

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED aims to strike a balance between portability, power, and value, making it an option worth considering for creative work on the go. This laptop packs an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and a stunning OLED display, making it a versatile machine for tasks like photo editing, video work, and even some gaming.

Using Lightroom Masks for Realistic Sunlight Effects

A well-placed light effect can turn an ordinary landscape photo into something vibrant and dynamic. By controlling light and shadows in Lightroom, you’ll achieve a realistic glow that brings out key elements, creating a sense of atmosphere that feels as true to life as being there.

Three Steps to More Expressive Landscape Photography

Often, photographers get caught up in capturing reality, aiming to recreate what they see as accurately as possible. However, a more impactful approach might be to embrace creative expression, using your camera as a tool to convey mood and atmosphere rather than just the physical details. This shift in perspective opens up a wealth of artistic possibilities, helping you produce work that resonates on an emotional level.

A Beginner’s Guide to Editing Landscape Photos in Lightroom

Creating a strong image is more than just pointing a camera—it’s a detailed process of planning, capturing, and finally, editing. The editing stage in particular is where you bring out the colors, light, and mood you intended, creating a finished piece that truly reflects the moment and story you envisioned.

How to Use Ambient Light and Flash for Stunning Outdoor Portraits

Using natural light effectively can make or break a shot, especially in outdoor portraiture where the light source and your subject’s position work together to create the image’s mood. Understanding how to position yourself and control lighting lets you create depth and definition without overwhelming your subject with artificial light.

Why the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Is Ideal for Lightweight Kits

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is an updated, versatile option for Fujifilm users, designed to replace older kit lenses while handling the demands of higher-resolution sensors. This lens is lightweight, well-suited for everyday use, and provides good performance across a wide range of photography needs. It’s aimed at those who want reliable image quality without the bulk.

The Simple Step to Better Photo Consistency

Ensuring your images look the way you intend on any screen is a challenge you may not often think about, but it’s critical for presenting your work accurately. While you may put considerable effort into editing, adjusting colors, and fine-tuning contrast, the truth is, if your screen isn’t calibrated, your images may look entirely different to someone else.

How to Add Depth and Detail to Eyes in Photoshop

Eyes are often the focal point of a portrait, and enhancing them can take your images to a new level. With a few creative Photoshop techniques, you can add captivating detail and depth to the eyes, making them stand out without looking overdone.

Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 Lens Review: Sharpness and Bokeh Master

The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR lens is a premium portrait option with impressive specs designed for medium-format shooters looking to elevate their work. Known for its smooth bokeh and sharpness, it pairs well with Fujifilm’s GFX cameras, making it a popular choice among professionals who need quality and detail for large prints or high-end commercial work.

Photography Guidelines vs. Rules: What Really Matters

Photography is filled with “rules” designed to help you capture better images. From the rule of thirds to leading lines, these guidelines shape how many of us approach a scene. However, there’s one core principle that can drive every photograph you take.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II: A Camera Built for Speed and Precision

The upgraded model of the already popular Canon EOS R5 comes with several notable improvements that make it a compelling option for sports and event photography. With high-resolution capabilities and new autofocus features, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II promises to handle everything from action shots to detailed landscapes without missing a beat.

Samyang vs. Viltrox 135mm Lenses: Which Is Right for You?

135mm lenses are often near the top of the list of desirable portrait lenses. Two that stand out right now are the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE and the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE. Both have a lot to offer at competitive prices, but there are some notable differences between them.

How to Use Selective Color Adjustments in Photoshop

Understanding how colors interact within an image can make a profound difference in how it’s perceived. Color adjustments can separate elements, guide the viewer’s focus, and even bring a certain “depth” to your photos.

12 Signs You're a Better Photographer Than You Think

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can plague even skilled photographers, making it difficult to recognize genuine progress in your craft. Understanding the key indicators of photographic growth helps you acknowledge your achievements and maintain momentum in your creative journey.

Mastering Photoshop’s Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Generative Fill

When it comes to cleaning up images in Photoshop, understanding the best tools for the job is essential. You might think AI tools are the obvious choice, but the classic Clone Stamp and Healing Brush tools can sometimes be more effective. These older methods are reliable, and knowing when to use each can save time and give you more control over your editing.

Mastering Landscape Photography Challenges

Landscape photography often comes with challenges that aren’t always apparent until you’re in the field, and knowing how to handle them can make all the difference in your shots.