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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

A Review of the Lomography Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II

As a photographer, you're always looking for ways to expand your creative toolbox and capture unique images. One way to achieve this is by using lenses with special characteristics, like the Lomography Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II. This lens offers a distinct aesthetic, taking inspiration from 19th-century optical designs to produce images with swirly bokeh and a vintage feel.

Essential Lightroom Masking Techniques for Landscape Photographers

Lightroom masking tools offer quite a lot of control and precision when editing photos. This helpful video tutorial offers 15 masking tips and tricks specifically tailored for landscape photographers, with techniques that refine skies, add ethereal fog, create custom vignetting, and dodge and burn, all while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

Can You Build a Photo Studio on a Shoestring Budget?

Let's be real, photography gear can get expensive. Between cameras, lenses, lighting, and backdrops, the cost of setting up a studio can quickly drain your bank account. But what if there was a way to create a functional studio without breaking the bank?

How to Master Macro Splash Photography at Home

Creating stunning macro splash photographs requires precision and control, especially when capturing the intricate details of water droplets colliding. While manual methods can be time-consuming and yield inconsistent results, specialized tools offer a more efficient and reliable approach. This helpful video will show you how to use such a kit and how to create captivating results.

A Look at the State of Street Photography: A Sea of Clichés?

The ability to capture the essence of humanity in a single frame is what draws many to street photography. However, the genre often finds itself trapped in repetitive patterns and clichés, hindering photographers from expressing their unique perspectives.

The Asus Vivobook S 14: Affordable OLED and Unexpected Power

Finding the right laptop can be a challenge, especially with the constant influx of new models and fluctuating prices. While the general advice for 2024 has been to stick with slightly older models for cost savings, the Asus Vivobook S 14 presents a compelling case for considering a 2024 release.

Removing Distractions With Generative Fill in Photoshop

Unwanted objects, distracting backgrounds, and clipped elements can turn a great photo into a frustrating experience. But what if you could easily erase these imperfections without resorting to drastic cropping? This helpful video tutorial will show you how to leverage Generative Fill in Photoshop to take care of numerous distractions.

Winning Bids: A Photographer's Guide to Estimating Projects

The ability to accurately estimate project costs is a crucial skill that directly impacts profitability and client satisfaction. A well-crafted estimate not only ensures you're adequately compensated for your time and expertise but also sets clear expectations with your clients, fostering trust and professionalism.

Recreating Natural Light With Flash

Understanding and utilizing light effectively is crucial for photographers of all levels. Whether you're capturing a landscape or a portrait, the quality and direction of light can make or break your image. But what happens when natural light isn't cooperating?

Is a $2,300 50mm Lens Worth It?

Canon makes some wildly good and wildly expensive lenses, including the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, which offers amazing results but also costs north of $2,000. Do you really need to spend that much? This useful video will help you decide.

A Year With the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM Review

The 35mm focal length is a staple for many photographers, offering a versatile perspective suitable for various scenarios, from landscapes to portraits. This great video review takes a look at one of the best options out there.

The Real Cost of Owning a Photography Studio: More Than Just Money

As a photographer, you've likely dreamed of having your own dedicated studio space. It's easy to imagine the creative freedom and professional image that comes with a studio, but the reality involves much more than just taking pictures. Understanding the full scope of owning or renting a studio is crucial before taking the plunge.

5 Lightroom Mistakes to Avoid

Editing is just as important as capturing the image, but there are many places where things can go wrong. This awesome video tutorial discusses five common mistakes people make in Lightroom and how to fix them.

Expanding Your Engagement Services with Hybrid Photography and Videography

Staying competitive and offering unique services is crucial for success. One increasingly popular trend is hybrid shooting, which involves capturing both photos and videos during a single session. This approach allows photographers to cater to the growing demand for video content while maximizing their time and resources.

Choosing Between Color and Black and White Photography

The decision of whether to shoot in color or black and white is a fundamental one, impacting the mood, tone, and overall message of an image. It's a choice that goes beyond mere aesthetics, leveraging the very essence of how we perceive and interpret the world around us.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Levitating Photos

The ability to make objects appear as if they are defying gravity is a captivating skill that can help you capture attention. This technique, often employed in product and still life photography, adds a touch of magic and intrigue to your images, leaving viewers wondering how you achieved such a feat.