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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Where to Find Clear Skies for Monday's Total Solar Eclipse

Capturing the total solar eclipse is a momentous opportunity for any individual behind the lens, though it presents unique challenges and rewards. This helpful video from a professional meteorologist will show you what to expect.

How to Achieve Vibrant, Three-Dimensional Images With These Easy Steps in Lightroom

Transforming the tedious task of color grading from a Photoshop layer-heavy process to a streamlined Lightroom slider manipulation is a real game-changer. This simplification not only speeds up the workflow but also offers precision and creativity, making it a significant advancement for you if you're looking to elevate the quality of your images with less hassle.

How to Create an Eclipse Composite in Photoshop

Creating a compelling composite image of an eclipse is an intricate process that combines technical skill with creative vision. Such composites offer a unique storytelling avenue for photographers to showcase the celestial event's phases in a single, cohesive piece.

Fine-Tuning Your Images with Texture, Clarity, and Contrast in Lightroom

Understanding the nuanced interplay between contrast, texture, and clarity is pivotal for properly enhancing image details and directing viewer attention. Each tool manipulates image contrast in distinct ways. This helpful video tutorial will walk you through the differences.

Do You Really Need a Graphics Tablet for Editing Photos?

Navigating the vast array of tools in the digital art and photo editing landscape can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to deciding on the necessity of a graphic tablet. Do you really need one? This insightful video will help you decide.

Is the New Fujifilm X100VI Really That Good?

The X100 series from Fujifilm has long been featured some of the most popular cameras in the industry, known for their quirky but capable design and features and unique user experience. The X100VI is here, and it brings with it a huge range of improvements and new features. This excellent video review takes a look at the new model and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Debunking the High-Cost Myth of Starting a Photography Business

Understanding the cost of entry into the photography industry is crucial for anyone considering this career path. Contrary to popular belief, starting a photography business may not be as prohibitive in terms of initial investment as often portrayed, if you play your cards right.

How Behind-the-Scenes Content Can Transform Your Photography Business

Exploring innovative marketing strategies is essential for any creative professional seeking to stand out in a crowded market. For those behind the lens, finding fresh ways to showcase their work and personality to potential clients has never been more critical.

Handcrafting the Image: The Art of Analog Photography

The transformative power of analog photography and handcrafted image processing is a captivating journey back to the roots of photographic artistry, offering a tangible connection to the creative process that is often lost in the digital age.

Enhancing Your Portraits With Shadow Boards

Mastering lighting techniques is a cornerstone of creating compelling compositions, allowing for the manipulation of mood, texture, and depth in an image. The helpful video tutorial will show you how to use shadows to create more pleasing images.

How to Use AI Denoise in Lightroom

Lightroom has some impressively powerful denoising tools, and they can help you rescue images that might not work otherwise. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use them for landscape images.

How Shapes Influence Photographic Storytelling

Understanding the influence of shapes is a crucial aspect often overlooked by many practitioners in the field. Shapes are not just basic elements of design; they're powerful tools that can evoke emotions and tell stories, making their study essential for photographers aiming to enhance their visual storytelling.

How to Shoot Portraits in Poor Natural Light

Navigating low-light conditions remains one of the most challenging scenarios for photographers, requiring a deep understanding of camera settings and creative use of available resources. This helpful video provides valuable insights and practical advice that can significantly enhance the quality of photos taken in such tricky environments.

Can This Affordable 85mm f/1.4 Lens Challenge More Expensive Options?

The 85mm f/1.4 lens is perhaps the most classic and highly sought-after model, offering an excellent portrait focal length in tandem with a wide maximum aperture for especially soft backgrounds. However, such lenses are often rather expensive, easily topping $2,000. So, at less than $500, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF is an especially intriguing option. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Can Micro Four Thirds Keep Up With Canon Full Frame?

Switching to a new camera system is a pivotal moment for any photographer, marking a transition filled with excitement and uncertainty. But moving to a significantly smaller sensor size is particularly challenging. Can micro four thirds compete with full frame in a challenging environment?

Embracing Simplicity: The Key to More Impactful Photography

In an era where digital cameras are packed with an overwhelming array of features and buttons, the pursuit of simplicity in photography has become increasingly appealing to many photographers. Streamlining the photographic process and minimizing gear can lead to a more focused, productive, and enjoyable experience behind the lens.

Becoming a Successful Commercial Photographer: Insights from Industry Professionals

For aspiring commercial photographers, understanding the key factors that contribute to a thriving career is crucial. While technical skills and artistic talent are undoubtedly important, there are other essential elements that can make or break a photographer's success in the competitive world of professional photography.

The Power of Long-Term Photography Projects: Finding Fulfillment and Growth

Committing to long-term photography projects can be a deeply rewarding experience. While the immediacy of sharing photos on social media can be exciting, investing time and effort into a project that spans weeks, months, or even years allows for a more meaningful connection with the subject matter and personal growth as an artist.