Articles from Kim Simpson

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.

The Flashback ONE35 V2 is a digital point-and-shoot camera designed around the simple but rewarding concept of recreating the experience of a disposable film camera, without the hassle, waste, or ongoing cost of film and development.

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.

Real estate photography has long been one of the most consistent forms of paid work for photographers. Add video, floor plans, and immersive drone-style marketing content, and you quickly become that one trusted professional who can handle everything with reliable, high-quality results.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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?