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Staff Writer

Kim Simpson

Glasgow, GB
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Articles from Kim Simpson

The Ultimate Travel Camera Bag? Wandrd Prvke Pocket Put to the Test

There are some pieces of gear you expect to be good, and then there are the rare ones that change your expectations altogether. I recently tested the 31L version of the new Wandrd Prvke Pocket Bag, which is an item you don't fully appreciate until you're halfway through a trip, standing in the rain, juggling passports, tech, and camera gear. This article discusses my experience with the bag, traveling long-haul.

TerraMaster D1 SSD Enclosure: Rugged Performance and Pocket-Friendly

Following the strong reception of its D1 Plus and Pro models, TerraMaster has introduced the D1 SSD Enclosure, and its timing couldn't be better. As AI and machine learning workloads continue to drive unprecedented demand for flash storage, SSD prices have climbed sharply, forcing creators to rethink how they invest in capacity. Instead of committing to expensive, fixed solutions, the D1 offers a more flexible approach to pair with the SSD that fits your budget and your needs.

Finding the Best Workflow for Real Estate Photo Editing

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the workflow for many photographers. From culling thousands of images to automating complex edits, there's now a tool for almost every part of the process. But not all AI is built for the same job.

Pushing Boundaries: A Different Take on Photographing Sports

Outdoor photographer Rainer Eder has teamed up with Swiss mountain sports brand Mammut to produce Pushing Boundaries, a visually arresting photo series that reimagines what athletic determination looks like when it's taken out of its natural habitat. Instead of pristine alpine settings, elite athletes are placed into unexpected, often industrial environments — spaces that test their physical ability, adaptability, and mindset.

Sharp and Smartly Priced: We Review the Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO

The nifty fifty has earned its reputation as the go-to standard prime, but the Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO feels like a quiet refinement of that formula. Just a 5mm shift in focal length is enough to change how you see and compose a scene. After testing the new Z mount variety on location, the quality of this lens becomes clear.

Introducing Fotello: The AI-Driven Platform for Real Estate Photographers

Artificial intelligence is transforming creative workflows across countless industries, including photography. From automated writing assistants to advanced image generators, there's now an AI tool for almost every task imaginable. While many AI platforms offer broad capabilities, relatively few are tailored to the specific demands of real estate photography. In a market where speed, accuracy, and visual consistency are critical, purpose-built solutions are required, and Fotello is positioning itself as one of the leading options in this space.

Inside Lexar: How Memory Is Built, Tested, and Trusted

Like many digital creators, I've always justified paying more for quality memory, whether that be SD cards, CFexpress cards, or SSDs. Higher-end memory storage is faster, more reliable, and widely trusted. But I never really stopped to consider why that trust exists. That changed when I recently traveled to China to visit Lexar's facilities as part of their 30th anniversary. Seeing the process firsthand gave me a completely new perspective, and in this article, I will share what I took away from that experience.

Why I’m Still Holding On to My DSLR Camera

I've been asked more times than I can count when I'm finally going to move on from my DSLR. The assumption is always the same. People think that holding on is a technical decision, or a reluctance to keep up. But the truth is, it has very little to do with technology at all. Read on to find out why my Nikon D850 is still the camera that I reach for most today.

Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z: A Studio Portrait Powerhouse

The 85mm focal length has long been considered the gold standard for portrait photography, and after spending time shooting with the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z in the studio, it’s easy to understand why this tradition continues, especially when a third-party lens delivers results that genuinely rival native glass.

Sound or Silence: Why Headphones Are Essential for Photographic Workflow

Photography is usually described as a visual medium, but a lot of the work around it happens in sound. Learning, editing, and reviewing work all benefit from being able to control what you hear — or don't hear — while you're working. That's where a good pair of headphones becomes less of a convenience and more of a practical tool.

Portrait Photographer Tries Shooting Ultra-Wide With the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 Air Z Lens

As a seasoned portrait photographer, stepping into the world of 14mm shooting was new territory, but it also served as a great opportunity to put the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 Air Z through its paces. This ultra-wide prime autofocus lens encouraged me to see new places and familiar faces with fresh eyes, revealing perspectives and compositions I wouldn’t normally explore.

Dreamy Distortion: Creating Images with the PolarPro Center Split Filter

The PolarPro Center Split Filter is the latest in-camera optical tool designed for photographers and filmmakers who want to push their visuals beyond the ordinary. Rather than relying on digital effects during post-production, this filter creates a dreamy aesthetic during capture.

A Hands-On Review of the Pocket-Sized Canon IVY Printer

There’s something undeniably satisfying about holding a physical print, a notion that hasn't disappeared as the world has gone digital. The Canon IVY mini photo printer delivers a portable way to turn your favorite digital images into prints, stickers, and more. I’ve been testing this palm-sized printer for the past few weeks, and it’s become far more fun and useful than I originally expected.

A Solution for Client Calls: Meet the Creative Chat Wireless Headset

In creative work, clarity is everything. Whether you’re a wedding photographer discussing shot lists with clients over Zoom, a freelancer managing remote edits, or a small-team creative juggling collaboration and deadlines, a dependable headset can make or break a conversation. I tested the Creative Chat Wireless, which proves that clear communication doesn’t have to come with a heavy headset or an even heavier price tag. This article discusses the features along with my findings after a period of time spent testing the device.

Neewer Q6 Outdoor Studio Flash: A Powerful Tool for Off-Grid Lighting

Looking for a powerful wireless studio strobe that can give studio-quality results on location? I have spent the last few months testing the Neewer Q6 Outdoor Studio Flash. This article discusses why I have rated this battery-powered 600 W light as a solid performer that handles a range of shooting conditions effectively—and not just for shooting outdoors.

We Review the New and Impressive Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB Lens for Nikon Z

Viltrox has added a Z-mount AF 35mm f/1.2 to its LAB series, and it’s safe to say that the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB Z-Mount Lens has hit the market with a strong impression. From its standout optical clarity, confident autofocus, and premium build, there’s a lot here that deserves attention. If you’re curious about how this full frame, large-aperture lens performs in a variety of shooting scenarios, this review might be of interest to you.

Tech for Less: 9 Black Friday Bargains for Digital Creatives

It’s that time of year again, when retailers compete for pre-holiday spending with some tempting offers across a range of great products. Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or looking to upgrade the tools you already rely on, with prices dropping across a wide range of gear, now is the perfect opportunity to pick up what you need for less.

Pure Power: Testing the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 for Photographers

Widely accepted as a go-to product for many outdoors and camping enthusiasts, power stations like this are underappreciated by photographers who have a need for power in off-grid scenarios. This article puts the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 through its paces for a variety of photographers who need serious, reliable energy in the field. 

Pixieset’s Evolution: From Trusted Hosting to a Complete Photography Solution

Pixieset has long been a go-to platform for photographers, offering a polished way to deliver client galleries, host portfolios, and sell images since pioneering this service in 2013. Fast forward to 2021, when Pixieset released their Studio Manager and has transformed into a comprehensive client management system that cuts down administrative tasks, streamlines client interactions, and optimizes workflows. This upgrade empowers photographers to focus on what matters, making their work life smoother and more productive, and getting paid faster. In this article, we explore what Pixieset is known for, how it’s changed, and why it’s an excellent all-in-one solution for photographers.

Peak Design Launches Minimalist Form Straps and a Tool-Less Field Plate

Combining precision engineering with understated style, the latest releases from Peak Design are built for photographers who value both form and function. Alongside the elegant new Form Straps comes the all-new Field Plate—an intuitive, tool-free camera plate that’s as clever as it is convenient.

Lights, Camera, Action? 8 Items That Really Keep a Studio Running

So you’ve got a camera, lenses, lights, and a spare space to turn into a studio—perhaps a garage, basement, or garden room. Now what? Having previously run commercial studio premises, and now lucky enough to have my own creative space at home, in this article I share the essential non-photographic items that keep you focused on creating.

Futuristic Fun: We Review the New Viltrox Spark Z3 Mini Flash Unit

Viltrox has just released a new contender in the mini-flash market, and I tested the new Viltrox Spark Z3 TTL on-Camera Mini Flash ahead of its release. I was excited to add some fun back into my photography. What I didn’t expect was for this cool cyberpunk-looking mini flash to win me over so much that I can’t stop talking about it. In this review, I will demonstrate why, as I put this pocket-sized flash through its paces.

We Review EMEET’s Dual-Camera PTZ Webcam: Meet the PIXY

EMEET has introduced itself as a brand making innovative leaps with webcam hardware and software. Its newly released PIXY webcam is the first dual-camera PTZ 4K webcam with AI processing, promising to elevate video for content creators, educators, and professionals. After testing it in lectures, content creation, and virtual meetings, the EMEET PIXY delivers impressive results.

IMILAB C30 Dual 3K+3K Indoor Security Camera: A Must-Have for Photography Equipment Protection

As anyone browsing Fstoppers articles knows, practicing photography comes with a hefty price tag. Cameras, lenses, and lighting gear are investments that deserve protection. Even in the safety of a home studio or home office setup, while break-ins may be rare for many, the risk of accidents or unexpected visitors can threaten valuable equipment. That’s where the IMILAB C30 Dual 3K+3K Indoor Security Camera shines, offering sharp surveillance with one lens fixed on critical gear and another tracking room activity. Curious how this budget-friendly camera can safeguard a photographer’s workspace? Read on to find out why this photographer thinks it’s a must-have.

The Art of Timing: Have We Lost the Decisive Moment in Modern Photography?

The term "the decisive moment," made famous by renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, describes the fraction of a second when the significance of an event unfolds in front of the lens. However, in today's "spray and pray" digital age, it begs the question: Has the essence of the decisive moment been lost?

The Essential Photography Kit I Didn’t Know I Needed

As someone who first picked up a camera at 10 years old and has been shooting professionally for the last 20 years, I thought I had everything I needed in my kit bag. That is, until I came across the NEEWER PS099S Mini V Mount Battery, now an essential kit item that I don’t plan location shoots without.

Overrated? William Eggleston: The Photographer Who Changed Everything

William Eggleston's documentation of the everyday, referred to by many as a revelation, is also regarded by others as overrated when judged in a modern context. This video by Tatiana Hopper, a respected voice on photography, dives into William Eggleston’s transformative work, leaving room for you to make up your own mind on where Eggleston's work sits in photographic history.

How Far Have We Come With the Quality of Doorbell Cameras?

Doorbell cameras used to be equal amounts of hassle and help. Fast-forward to 2025, and the tech has transformed, offering clear footage, smart features, and reliable security. Looking for an alternative to the market leader’s pricey subscription, I went looking for better options. That’s when I found the Imou Doorbell 2S Kit, a battery-powered video doorbell that’s shown me just how far we’ve come.

Powering Your Photography Workflow: CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank Keeps You Going Anywhere

As a photographer, power on location is important. When editing on the go in coffee shops, airports, or on train journeys, you can use supplied power outlets, but what if you are on location somewhere that doesn’t have power outlets? This article takes a look at using a power bank designed with laptops in mind to keep the post-shoot workflow going no matter where you decide to work.

New to Neewer: We Review the Neewer Z2 Pro Speedlight

Neewer has released a new contender in their Z series lighting: the Z2 Pro Round Head Flash. Being new to Neewer lighting, once the Nikon-compatible version was released, I grasped the opportunity to put this through its paces in an energetic portrait shoot. Could this be the quality-on-a-budget speedlight I have been looking for?