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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

Dreamy Pastel Color Grading in Lightroom

Pastel color grading is a subtle yet powerful way to make your photos stand out, and you can achieve it easily with some simple tweaks in Lightroom. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with color grading but felt overwhelmed, this method offers an approachable way to elevate your work.

Quick Tips for Balancing Photography With Everyday Life

Finding time for photography can feel impossible when you're juggling work, family, and everything else. You might feel like you're always running out of time for your passion. The good news is, it's not about having more time, it's about using the time you already have better.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.

How to Create Painterly Photos in Lightroom

If you want your photos to have that painterly, moody feel, editing is key. It’s possible to achieve stunning results with just a few thoughtful adjustments, even when nature doesn’t provide ideal conditions.

The Complete Pre-Wedding Gear Checklist for Seamless Shooting

Bringing the right gear to a wedding is crucial. It’s not just about your camera or lenses; it’s about having everything you need to get through the day smoothly. Forgetting even one item could create unnecessary stress when you’re on the job. If you’ve ever scrambled to make sure you packed everything, you’re not alone.

Simplify Your Edits With Photoshop’s New Remove Distractions Tool

Removing distractions like power lines and unwanted people from your images can make a huge difference in the final result. One of the latest features in Photoshop’s beta version is a tool that lets you remove wires, cables, and even people with just a few clicks.

Canon vs. Sigma: Which 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Lens Is Right for You?

Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or vlogs, having the right lens can make all the difference. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary and Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM are two strong contenders for those looking to enhance their Canon APS-C mirrorless setup.

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 PRO: A Great Budget Lens for Fujifilm Users

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO is a lens designed for Fujifilm X mount users who want sharp, premium images without breaking the bank. For less than $300, it combines a solid build with features that set it apart from other lenses in its price range.

Leica Opens Call for Entries for 2025 Leica Women Foto Project

Leica has officially opened submissions for the sixth edition of the Leica Women Foto Project, an annual photography contest aimed at elevating the voices and work of women photographers. The 2025 theme, "Unity Through Diversity," encourages participants to explore and showcase the power of human connection. The project aligns with Leica's mission to push the boundaries of visual storytelling while supporting diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Mastering Composition: Tools Beyond the Rule of Thirds

Composition is the backbone of any great image, and while instincts can take you far, truly understanding composition will make your work more intentional and consistent. You already know when something feels right in a photo, but what if you could control that feeling more effectively? This is where knowing how composition works becomes crucial.

How Visual Tension Shapes Your Compositions

Visual tension is an often overlooked aspect of composition, but it's one you should be paying attention to. It’s about the spatial relationship between objects within a frame and how those objects relate to the edges of the frame. Ignoring this concept can lead to images that feel off-balance, while mastering it can elevate the quality of your work without extensive cropping or post-editing.

Lightroom to Photoshop on iPad: A Simple Roundtrip Workflow

With Lightroom and Photoshop available on the iPad, you can easily switch between the two apps for a seamless mobile workflow. If you haven’t explored how to roundtrip your edits between Lightroom and Photoshop on your tablet, this video offers a clear guide.

Common Film Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Film photography has its unique charm, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles for those who explore this medium is navigating through mistakes, often with no easy fix like in digital photography.

Everything You Need to Know About Light Gels

Gels are one of the most versatile tools in your lighting kit, offering endless creative possibilities when used right. Whether you’re adding color to a scene or adjusting the quality of light, gels give you control over your final image.

The Unique Character of Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Lens

The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens has been creating a lot of buzz, especially among those looking for something different from the usual clinical sharpness modern lenses tend to offer. If you’ve been on the lookout for a lens with character, this one might be worth a look.