Alex Cooke's picture
Average rating:
3.2 out of 5
3.2
Alex Cooke
Cleveland, OH

Articles written by Alex Cooke

Mastering Woodland Photography With Bluebells and Wild Garlic

The shifting patterns of nature provide unique opportunities. This year’s unusual weather has created an overlapping bloom of bluebells and wild garlic, presenting a rare and visually rich scene. For enthusiasts, these unexpected changes in seasonal flora offer fresh challenges and rewards.

Fstoppers Interviews Paige Vincent, Extreme Weather Photographer

The Great Plains offer some of the most extreme and jaw-dropping weather on Earth, and those who venture there with their camera are rewarded with some of the most unique and stunning images possible. We interviewed Paige Vincent, a photographer capturing those phenomena.

Home Studio Essentials for Portrait Photography

Creating a professional photography studio at home can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This helpful video tutorial shows you how to create stunning portraits in a small home studio using minimal equipment.

How to Improve Your Landscape Photography by Planning Ahead

Planning is a crucial part of landscape photography, often being the foundation of a truly compelling image. Proper planning can make the difference between an average shot and a keeper. This tutorial focuses on how to effectively plan your shots, particularly how to predict weather conditions to enhance your landscape photos.

Amazing Large Format Portraits

Getting the perfect shot with a large format camera can be tricky, but the results are worth it. The combination of a large negative and precise control over focus and depth of field can create stunning images.

Microsoft’s Qualcomm-Powered Laptops: A New Era for Windows Devices

Microsoft's recent refresh of its Surface line marks a significant shift in the laptop market with the introduction of new models powered by Qualcomm chips. These ARM-based processors promise efficiency and improved battery life, addressing a long-standing issue for Windows laptops.

An In-Depth Review of Top Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony Cameras

Sony’s decision to open their full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras to third-party lens manufacturers has led to a thriving market with a variety of options. Among these, three standard zoom lenses stand out: the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II, and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. These lenses are popular because they offer a versatile zoom range and a bright maximum aperture, making them ideal for various shooting scenarios, including low-light situations and achieving smooth bokeh.

Minimalist Portraits on a Budget

Getting the right look for a portrait often depends on more than just the subject. Backgrounds are essential, and minimalist backgrounds can be a great way to create striking images that emphasize the subject.

Ditch Manual Mode and Embrace Aperture Priority 

Understanding your camera settings can dramatically improve your photography. Many photographers believe that shooting in manual mode is the only way to achieve professional results, but this video argues that this is not always the case.

Kodak Gold 200: A Budget-Friendly Film for Stunning Results

Getting the most out of your film photography endeavors often means striking a balance between quality and cost. Kodak Gold 200 is a film stock that offers a compelling combination of affordability and pleasing results, particularly when shooting in 120 format.

Things Photographers Hate

As a photographer, you’re likely driven by passion and a desire to capture compelling images. However, the path to a thriving photography career is often paved with challenges and frustrations. Understanding and navigating these pitfalls can significantly contribute to your success.

A Review of the New Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II

A fast standard zoom lens can be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in a photographer's kit. Covering a popular zoom range and offering a wide maximum aperture, lenses like the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II are ideal for a variety of photographic applications.

Rumored Specs About the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Emerge

It's going to be an exciting year for Canon fans, with the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 expected to be fully announced. And to hold you over until the EOS R5 Mark II is announced, here are some rumored specifications.

Five Compositional Keys for Stunning Landscapes

Composition is crucial in landscape photography because it's one of the few aspects a photographer has complete control over. Understanding how to arrange elements within the frame can significantly elevate a photograph from average to extraordinary.

Creative Problem-Solving: Lighting Techniques and Tips

Lighting is a crucial aspect of photography, often making or breaking a shoot. Understanding how to manipulate light effectively is essential. This video details a challenging scenario that was transformed into a valuable lesson on lighting techniques.

Unlocking Creative Inspiration for Your Photography

Mastering photography is not solely about technical skills but also about cultivating a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources is crucial for developing a unique style and staying motivated. This insightful explores how you can harness creativity and inspiration to elevate your photography.

Streamline Your Workflow With Lightroom Masking Presets

Creating custom presets in Lightroom Classic can significantly streamline your editing workflow, especially for repetitive tasks like enhancing eye details in portraits. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to create your own.