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Alex Cooke
Cleveland, OH

Articles written by Alex Cooke

Long Exposure Photography With Minimal Gear

When done well, A LONG EXPOSURE transforms ordinary scenes into something surreal. Smooth water, softened clouds, and simplified compositions give images a fine art feel. But dialing in the right exposure, balancing filters, and choosing the right settings require patience and experimentation.

Originality in Photography Is Overrated

Iconic locations pull you in. They’re breathtaking, instantly recognizable, and packed with possibilities. But they also come with a challenge—how do you make something that feels like your own when millions of others have stood in the same spot with the same intent?

How to Make More Money with Photography in 2025

Making money with photography isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem. The reality is, whether you’re just starting or already running a business, turning creativity into income takes strategy. Finding ways to optimize how you earn—without relying on luck—can help you stay sustainable.

The Challenge of Finding the Perfect Shot in Freezing Conditions

Winter photography presents unique challenges. The cold can drain batteries, make gear difficult to handle, and test your endurance. But the reward is stunning landscapes, crisp light, and serene conditions that transform familiar locations.

How to Edit Dusk Photos for Maximum Impact

Dusk is a short but powerful window of time for photos. Right after sunset, the sky turns deep blue, and city lights start to glow. It’s an ideal moment to capture dramatic scenes, but getting the editing right is key.

How to Work Through Creative Slumps in Photography

Losing inspiration happens to everyone, and it can make photography feel like a chore rather than a passion. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of feeling uninspired, especially when shooting familiar locations. Instead of forcing creativity, sometimes the best approach is to embrace the break and ease back into it when the right moment comes.

A Better Way to Enhance Contrast and Detail in Lightroom

Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw give you plenty of powerful tools to enhance your images, but some adjustments can do more harm than good if used incorrectly. Over-processing is easy to spot—crushed shadows, unnatural contrast, and an artificial look that takes away from the image instead of improving it. Three sliders in particular tend to cause the most damage when misused.

Simple Lightroom Tricks to Make Snow Scenes More Atmospheric

Winter scenes often look stunning in person but can appear flat and unremarkable in post-processing. Snow creates a high-key, low-contrast effect that lacks depth and dimension. Adding atmosphere and subtle contrast can make the image more engaging without overprocessing it.

How to Find Originality in Your Photography Without Forcing It

You might feel like everything has already been photographed, leaving little room for originality. That feeling can be frustrating, making it seem impossible to create something fresh when so many great images already exist. The key isn't to chase originality but to change how you think about creativity and inspiration.

The Small Adjustments That Make a Big Difference

Studio photography gives you complete control over every element of an image, from the background to the lighting to the focal point. That control means you’re responsible for every decision, and small choices can make a big difference in the final result. Understanding how to shape light, adjust focus, and create a balanced composition can elevate your images beyond simple snapshots.

The Biggest Mistake Photographers Make When Choosing Gear

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Tricky Event Photos

Mixed lighting and uneven exposures are challenges you’re bound to face, especially in event photography where lighting conditions are unpredictable. Here's how to fix them in Lightroom.

Why Many Photographers Struggle and How to Adapt

The photography industry has changed dramatically over the past decade, and 2025 has brought new challenges that many are struggling to overcome. With trends shifting, technology advancing, and the market becoming more competitive, it’s crucial to adapt to the evolving landscape if you want to stay ahead.

Five Essential Gear Upgrades for Portrait Photography

When it comes to improving your portrait photography, having the right tools can make all the difference. The right gear can elevate the quality of your images, improve your workflow, and help you experiment with techniques that refine your craft and creativity.

Mastering the Tone Curve: Lightroom Editing Tips

The tone curve in Lightroom is a powerful tool for adjusting the exposure and tonal balance of your photos. Mastering this feature can help you achieve more refined edits, creating a polished, professional look.

How to Use Smoke for Cinematic Portraits

Handheld smoke machines have changed the way you can create dramatic, cinematic portraits. They give you the ability to add depth, texture, and atmosphere to your images with ease. It’s a powerful tool to elevate the storytelling in your portraits.

Money, Networking, and Growth: Hard Lessons for Creatives

Understanding how to manage the business side of your creative career can make the difference between struggling and thriving. From finances to networking, mastering a few key principles can save you years of frustration and help you build a more sustainable career.

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Modifiers

Modifiers are essential tools for shaping light, and knowing how to use them can dramatically affect the look and feel of your images. These tools allow you to control the quality, direction, and intensity of light, which is crucial whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or events.