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Alex Cooke

Cleveland, OH
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Articles from Alex Cooke

The Distinctions Between Good and Great Photographers

Creating exceptional photos requires more than technical skills or expensive equipment. The difference between good and great photography often comes down to fundamental creative principles that transform ordinary images into compelling visual stories.

The Fujifilm X-M5: Small Camera, Big Surprises

Few cameras have faced as much early criticism—and then surprised everyone—as the Fujifilm X-M5. What seemed like a limited update at first glance has revealed itself to be a compelling choice, particularly if you're looking for professional video capabilities in a tiny, affordable package.

Fujifilm’s GFX100RF: Compact Body, Huge Resolution

Fujifilm’s new GFX100RF medium format camera combines a massive 102-megapixel sensor with compact form factor and fixed lens design. Its portability and sensor size position it uniquely among high-resolution cameras.

Why Your Real Estate Images Need Better Natural Light

Effectively using natural light in real estate photography isn’t just about getting bright photos—it taps into psychological responses that can make your images immediately more appealing. Good use of natural light draws attention and enhances spatial awareness, making spaces feel inviting and attractive to potential buyers.

Canon Autofocus: Master Your Camera’s Advanced Features

Autofocus settings have become incredibly sophisticated on Canon's latest mirrorless cameras, like the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II. Knowing how to harness these powerful autofocus features can significantly improve your photography, especially when you're shooting fast-moving subjects like athletes.

Editing Landscapes Faster With Lightroom’s Latest Update

Adobe has just released a Lightroom update with a new landscape masking feature designed to streamline your editing workflow. If you frequently edit landscape photos, this update is worth exploring for its practical improvements.

Dodging and Burning Using Only Lightroom

Dodging and burning can dramatically change how your final image turns out, enhancing depth and guiding attention to key areas. Mastering this technique in Lightroom is not only possible but straightforward enough to become an essential part of your workflow.

Visual Storytelling Secrets From 'The Untouchables'

Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables isn't your average gangster movie. It’s visually compelling, tightly shot, and filled with moments photographers can learn from about cinematic storytelling.

Is Sigma's 300-600mm f/4 Your Ideal Super-Telephoto Lens?

The Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens is filling a noticeable gap between typical telephoto zooms and ultra-expensive super telephoto primes. If you've been struggling to find a high-quality lens without reaching into the $10,000-plus range, Sigma's latest offering might be precisely what you're looking for.

Setting Up Successful Model Collaborations

If you're serious about improving your photography, scheduling regular test shoots with models—without money exchanging hands—is necessary. Learning how to handle these arrangements correctly saves you from wasted effort and awkward situations.

Practical Advice for Becoming a Photographer in 2025

If you're thinking about starting a photography career in 2025, it's natural to have concerns, especially with the growing presence of AI. Understanding the current landscape and how you fit into it matters more now than ever.

Effortlessly Remove People From Images Using Photoshop's AI

Photoshop's recent integration of AI tools has significantly simplified the process of removing people from images. Whether you're dealing with unwanted background figures in portraits or distracting elements in event shots, these modern techniques can dramatically streamline your workflow.

Understand Your Camera’s Metering Modes Easily

Understanding camera metering modes is essential if you want consistent results and greater creative control over your photography. Metering affects how your camera interprets lighting in a scene, influencing your exposure settings and the overall look of your photos.

Essential Gear Every Beginner Needs for Macro Photography

When you're starting macro photography, knowing what gear actually makes a difference is the fastest way to getting impressive shots. It's not about buying everything, but choosing exactly what matters to capture the small details you're after.

Why Aperture Priority Could Improve Your Photography

When you're out shooting, deciding between camera modes can shape your entire photographic experience. Many believe manual mode is the hallmark of a skilled photographer, but choosing differently can significantly improve your workflow and your results.

Sony's Game-Changing 50-150mm f/2 GM Lens Reviewed

Sony's latest lens, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, offers an intriguing combination of speed, flexibility, and high-end optical performance. With its unusual zoom range and bright maximum aperture, this lens could fill a significant gap in your kit, especially if you often shoot events or portraits.

Canon’s RF 15-35mm vs RF 16-28mm STM: Worth the Big Price Difference?

If you're debating between Canon’s RF 15-35mm f/2.8L and the newer RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, understanding the actual performance differences can save you money and hassle. Lens choice isn't just about price—it's about matching your shooting needs to practical differences in performance and handling.

Advanced Masking Techniques for Striking Landscapes

Lightroom’s color range mask is a powerful tool for making selective edits that bring your photos to life. Understanding how to precisely target colors can significantly improve your editing skills, giving your images depth and nuance.

Photoshop’s New Dynamic Text: Design Easier and Faster

Photoshop recently released a new beta feature called dynamic text, which automatically adjusts your text formatting and size in real time. Text-handling in Photoshop has always been tedious and required careful adjustments, but it just became significantly easier.

A Year of Shooting in Only Black and White

Photographing exclusively in black and white for an extended period can fundamentally shift the way you approach image-making. It pushes you beyond habitual techniques, challenging you to see and create photographs differently.

Essential Wedding Photos You Can't Afford to Miss

Capturing the right moments during a wedding day can make or break your confidence and the satisfaction of your clients. Knowing exactly which shots matter most helps you stay organized and ensures you're covering all the critical moments effectively.

Unlocking Insights From a Decade of Your Lightroom Data

Sitting with a Lightroom catalog that contains over 360,000 photos taken across a decade offers more than nostalgia—it presents a chance to analyze your photography habits. Understanding patterns in your shooting style can significantly enhance your photographic decisions.

Creative Ways to Use a 35mm Lens for Better Photos

Using the right focal length is essential, and the 35mm lens has always been especially popular for its balanced framing and natural look. Understanding how to effectively compose your shots with this lens can significantly improve your photos by capturing scenes authentically and creatively.