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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

This $35 Wannabe Fujifilm Camera Is Something Else

Discovering a $35 knockoff of the Fujifilm X100V that claims to shoot 48-megapixel images and 4K video seems like a dream come true for budget-conscious photographers. However, as the saying goes: you get what you pay for.

5 Common Beauty Photography Mistakes

Navigating the nuances of beauty photography can be a complex endeavor, particularly for those just embarking on their journey in this specialized field. This helpful video tutorial addresses five common pitfalls that both novice and experienced photographers may encounter, offering invaluable insights into refining their craft and producing more captivating images.

Finding Growth in Failure: A Photographer's Journey

Failure is an intrinsic aspect of the creative process, yet it's a topic seldom discussed openly. This fantastic video pierces through this veil, offering a candid glimpse into the struggles even seasoned photographers face, underscoring the importance of embracing failure as a step towards mastery.

A Review of the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens

The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens offers micro four thirds users a ton of reach, making it suitable for a range of applications like sports and wildlife photography. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Are We About to See This Insane Cameraphone?

A relatively new player in the smartphone arena may be setting the stage for a groundbreaking reveal, a device that promises to redefine expectations with its monumental battery capacity. This forthcoming model, dubbed the P28K promises mind-blowing battery life.

The Art of Selectivity in Photography: Lessons from a Day's Shoot

The challenge of displaying every photograph taken during a day's outing offers photographers a compelling lens through which to scrutinize their craft. This approach, highlighting the tension between quantity and quality, encourages a deeper engagement with the fundamental aspects of photography such as composition and lighting.

Unveiling the Unseen: The Art of Discovering Photos

Photography is not just about capturing what you see; it's about discovering the unseen and presenting it in a way that captivates the viewer. The great video features an experienced photographer diving into this concept by exploring the fine line between making, taking, and discovering photos, particularly through the lens of macro photography and his personal experiences with his camera. This challenges the conventional approach to photography, encouraging a deeper engagement with surroundings and the creative process.

Mastering Flash Photography: TTL Versus Manual

Understanding the differences between TTL (Through The Lens) and manual flash settings is crucial for photographers looking to enhance their control over lighting conditions. If you are new to working with flash, this helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know.

Is Photography a Viable Career in 2024? Insights and Realities

Photography's viability as a career in 2024 is a topic of considerable debate, casting light on the evolving landscape of the industry. It's a question that touches the heart of both seasoned professionals and aspiring photographers alike, challenging the traditional pathways to success within the field.

Transforming Overcast Days Into Photographic Masterpieces

Photography under overcast skies presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, often leading to the misconception that dull days equate to poor photography conditions. However, this scenario opens up avenues for capturing stunning images that embrace the subdued lighting, revealing textures and details that might otherwise be overlooked.

Embracing the Mist: Techniques for Fog Photography

Navigating through fog transforms familiar landscapes into realms of mystery and depth, providing a canvas for creativity that few other weather conditions can match. The allure of fog lies in its ability to simplify scenes, mute distractions, and introduce a sense of depth and mood that can elevate the most mundane subjects into captivating images.

The Art of Winter Photography: Techniques for Stunning Snowscapes

Exploring winter landscapes offers unique opportunities and challenges for photographers, particularly when it comes to capturing scenes transformed by snow. The stark, simplified beauty of snow-covered environments requires a distinct approach to composition and technique, underscoring the importance of preparation and adaptability in the field.

How to Eliminate Banding in Photoshop

Addressing and preventing banding in Photoshop is a critical skill for photographers who aim to achieve seamless gradients and transitions in their digital images. Banding can detract significantly from the quality of a photo, making it appear to lack depth and detail, particularly in areas with smooth transitions like skies or backgrounds.

A Review of the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO Lens

One of the original budget brands of the digital era, Yongnuo has long been known for creating very affordable speedlights. In more recent tears, the company has branched out into manufacturing lenses, such as the new YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO for Fujifilm X Series cameras. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Where Are We in the Camera Wars?

The evolution of camera technology has reached a remarkable juncture where the once fierce competition among manufacturers seems to have plateaued to a degree, at least with regards to headline specs, making it an intriguing period for photography enthusiasts. This shift is crucial as it suggests a move towards a more nuanced approach to camera development, focusing on features that cater to the specific needs of photographers rather than engaging in specifications wars.

A Hidden Gem: The Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

Viltrox has swiftly transitioned from an under-the-radar brand to a well-regarded lens maker, celebrated for its budget-friendly yet impressive performing lenses. The AF 20mm f/2.8, priced under $200, continues this trend. The question is, does it live up to the high expectations set by contemporary lenses? This detailed video review explores the lens' performance and the quality of images it produces.

The Financial and Artistic Advantages of Adapting Vintage Lenses

Adapting vintage lenses for use on modern mirrorless cameras offers an innovative way to explore different gear without breaking the bank. This technique not only promises a budget-friendly alternative to buying new lenses but also delivers unique image qualities that can significantly elevate the creative aspect of photography, making it a valuable avenue to consider.

What Features Is Lightroom Missing?

Lightroom has made some significant steps forward in recent years, but there is always room for improvement? What would you like to see?

A Review of the Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7R series of mirrorless cameras has consistently been celebrated for delivering among the highest resolution figures seen in full-frame cameras, complemented by a diverse array of functionalities catering to various photographic styles and uses. The a7R V stands as the latest and greatest in the series, and this detailed video review explores the camera, offering insights into the kind of image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.

Essential Tips for Aspiring Street Photographers

The essence of street photography lies in capturing the fleeting moments and raw emotions of everyday life, making it an excellent way to practice for photographers aiming to tell compelling stories through their lenses. Understanding the nuances of this genre is fundamental, as it involves more than just pointing and shooting; it's about immersing oneself in the environment and connecting with the subject matter on a deeper level.