Articles from Alex Cooke

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 combines the power of a high-end laptop with the versatility of a tablet. This 13.4-inch 2-in-1 packs cutting-edge hardware in a sleek CNC-milled aluminum chassis, aiming to deliver pro-level performance for photographers, digital artists, and programmers on the go. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, display quality, performance benchmarks, thermals and battery life, connectivity, cameras and audio, and overall user experience to see if it lives up to the hype.

Godox has announced three new LED lights and light mats: the FL100R, FL200R, and FL200SR. The company positions these full-color LED panels as affordable lighting solutions for small studios and independent content creators, building on their existing KNOWLED F series.

When it comes to landscape photography, choosing the right lens isn't just a detail—it shapes your entire creative process. Many photographers default to wide angle lenses, but exploring telephoto options can completely redefine your images.

Understanding camera drive modes is critical if you want crisp, professional-looking images. Knowing how and when to utilize these settings can significantly improve the clarity and composition of your photographs.

The camera industry is littered with the corpses of products that looked revolutionary on paper but crashed spectacularly in the real world. These aren't just minor missteps—these are epic failures that cost companies millions, confused consumers, and taught us valuable lessons about what not to do. Here are the cameras that failed hardest, and the brutal reasons why.

The Fujifilm X half is a unique compact camera that blends modern features with the feel and simplicity of analog photography. If you've been curious about a smaller camera that captures images with a distinct retro vibe, this might be an intriguing choice to explore.

Photography myths can clutter your approach and limit your creativity. Knowing which advice to discard can drastically improve your results and reduce unnecessary frustrations.

Understanding your camera's exposure modes goes beyond basic settings; it's about taking control of your creative outcomes. Using the right mode in the right situation can significantly influence the quality of your photos and your growth as a photographer.

If you've ever felt confused deciding whether to use Photoshop or Lightroom for color adjustments, you're not alone. Adobe’s latest updates have added to this confusion by offering overlapping color editing features in both apps.

Photoshop's latest update introduces cloud-based processing for the Select Subject tool, aiming to dramatically improve the accuracy of selections. If you frequently cut subjects from images, particularly complex ones, this feature significantly simplifies your workflow.

Every Sony Alpha camera has powerful features tucked away in its menus. Knowing about them can drastically change your results and prevent potential mishaps during important shoots.

If you feel like administrative tasks take more time than actually taking photos, it’s probably because your workflow needs a revamp. A clear, efficient workflow is key to making your photography business sustainable and enjoyable.

Your personality might be quietly shaping the type of photography you're naturally drawn to. Knowing your personality type could unlock a better understanding of your photographic strengths and struggles, particularly when shooting genres that feel difficult or uncomfortable.

Apple’s little silver square has always been a study in contrasts: tiny yet ambitious, quiet yet powerful, simple yet surprisingly adaptable. The latest model—powered by the new M4 family—raises the bar again. 

Photography, often a silent yet powerful witness to disasters such as the recent California wildfires, now finds itself at the forefront of recovery efforts, becoming a source of support, memory preservation, and communal healing.

Ricoh Imaging has officially announced the development of the GR IV, the newest model in its GR series of compact digital cameras. Scheduled to be released in Autumn 2025, the GR IV continues the GR tradition of prioritizing high image quality, responsiveness, and portability, aiming to be a versatile and highly capable snapshot camera. 

Wide angle macro lenses are a rare breed, but the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Macro lens brings intriguing possibilities to your photography. Its unique ability to merge ultra-wide perspectives with macro capabilities offers you creative flexibility that standard lenses can’t easily match.

Nikon has announced that, starting June 23, 2025, prices on its products in the U.S. will increase due to newly imposed tariffs. This move comes as the company navigates significant shifts in trade policy that are affecting the broader photography industry.

Religious freedom and civil rights collided once again in a federal courtroom, where a judge ruled that faith-based objections can override state anti-discrimination protections under specific circumstances.

Choosing between shade and backlighting for outdoor portraits can dramatically affect how your subject appears. Knowing when to use each can elevate the quality and style of your photography significantly.

Every photographer faces the decision about what cameras to own, but it's not just about brands like Canon, Sony, or Nikon. It’s about understanding the role each camera plays in your photography, matching gear with purpose to truly improve how and why you shoot.

Lightroom Classic offers powerful tools, but many users overlook the potential of luminance and color masks for enhancing landscapes, especially skies. Knowing how to skillfully apply these masks can significantly improve your photos, adding depth and drama.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on upcoming Canon announcements, there's one release rumored to significantly shake up the market. With increased resolution, powerful video upgrades, and improved autofocus on the horizon, this Canon model could make it worthwhile to reconsider whether your current gear still meets your needs.

Samsung is exploring a smartphone design that allows users to swap out camera lenses, similar to how photographers change lenses on traditional cameras. This concept, detailed in a recent patent, suggests a future where mobile photography could be significantly more versatile.

Fujifilm has announced the X half, a new premium compact digital camera that draws inspiration from traditional half frame film cameras. The X half camera aims to merge compact portability with modern digital convenience, targeting photographers seeking dedicated devices complementary to their smartphones.

Lightroom contains powerful tools hidden just below the surface. Knowing these can significantly improve your workflow, giving you more control over your images.

Cheating in filmmaking isn’t about cutting corners—it's about creatively solving problems by bending reality to sell a convincing illusion. Understanding how to use these subtle techniques can dramatically improve your skills and make your videos look professional without expensive gear or elaborate setups.

When you're looking to capture a sense of place or a cinematic feel, shooting on location isn’t always practical or affordable. Using a digital projector might be your solution to creating vivid, believable scenes without leaving your studio.

Adobe Photoshop’s frame tool recently got a substantial upgrade that makes it more versatile and useful, especially if you're creating unique visuals or presenting images for sale. This tool often goes unnoticed, yet it opens up new creative options and practical applications.

If you're still editing your photos in Lightroom Classic the same way you always have, the addition of AI-powered masking could significantly change your approach. Adobe's updates have transformed what used to be complex adjustments into simple and powerful masking tools that provide better results faster.

PSD templates streamline your workflow by packaging complex Photoshop effects into reusable files. Learning how to create your own means custom tools that exactly match your style and specific needs.

Sony Electronics has officially announced the GP-VPT3 Multi-Function Shooting Grip and the RMT-VP2 Wireless Remote Commander, both featuring Bluetooth wireless technology. These products are designed for use with Sony's Alpha Series cameras and Vlog Camera Series.

Understanding how light behaves is essential to taking control of your photos. Lighting not only elevates your technical skill but directly shapes how your viewers feel about your images.

Finding the right wide angle lens is critical if you're shooting real estate, landscapes, or even vlogging. Here's a look at two popular options from Canon.