Kim Simpson

Have you ever described a portrait subject as your muse? Beneath the seemingly charming facade of the word lies a complex and often problematic history surrounding the photographic muse. As we examine this age-old concept through a modern lens, it becomes clear that the term "muse" is most often reductive, sexist, and objectifying. This article explores why the concept of a muse might be best left in the past.

Stepping away from my usual practice and workflow, I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Lomo’Instant Wide Glass camera. Is this truly the best instant camera on earth? A Brief History of Lomography: What Is It? Before diving into the specifics of this camera, it’s worth taking a quick detour into Lomography’s roots. Lomography isn’t just a brand—it’s a whole movement. It began in the early 1990s when a group of students stumbled upon an obscure Russian camera called the LOMO LC-A.

For filmmakers and photographers seeking to add atmosphere and depth to their shots, fog can provide the required depth and texture. In this article, we take a look at the handheld SmokeNINJA Pro from PMI Gear, which is hailed as an exciting, game-changing solution. Building on the success of the original SmokeNINJA, the newly launched SmokeNINJA Pro handheld fog machine offers professional-grade features, impressive upgrades, and is even more affordable than its predecessor.

Access to photography has never been greater, yet now the risk of the family archive dying out has never been more of an issue. This article explains why the digital age has put the family archive in danger, and what we, as photographers, can do about this.

The Black Friday buzz is in full swing, and if you’re in the market for premium photography gear, Profoto has just dropped an unmissable offer. Known for their professional-grade lighting equipment, Profoto’s B10X and B10X Plus strobes are now bundled with exciting freebies. Could this deal be worth your hard-earned cash? The endless stream of Black Friday offers available this year seems overwhelming, but sometimes a clear winner comes along as a contender for the best purchase. Profoto’s Black Friday deal is an opportunity to invest in tools that will elevate your practice.

In 4 Minutes is a captivating short film by filmmaker Adam Holmes of Focas Media, in collaboration with renowned photographer Simon Murphy.

Join photographer Laura BC as she embarks on a 48-hour photography challenge in Bali, testing the limits of her Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II lens. Known for her creative challenges, Laura takes this single-lens approach to showcase how limiting your gear can unlock new levels of creativity. Armed with her Sony a7R V and a high-performing G Master lens, Laura navigates the humid, lush landscapes of Bali, from the lively monkey forests to serene rice terraces. Naturally, a zoom lens isn’t the most limiting option, but longer focal lengths do present limiting scenarios.

The LumeCube XL 60 W RGB Mini COB LED Light has hit the market, promising professional-quality lighting in a very compact design. With features aimed at both content creators and professional photographers and videographers, I put this "Pocket-Sized Powerhouse" through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. This article discusses my experience with it. As a photographer, I need quality equipment to serve the specific needs of each project I work on.

The turn of the new year is the perfect time for reflection and renewal. For photographers, this moment can be used to evaluate the practices that either propel creativity or hold it back. As we step into 2025, I’m taking stock of the ways I work, create, and connect, making conscious decisions about what to carry forward and what to leave behind. Here’s my roadmap for growth and fulfillment in photography for the coming year. What’s In for 2025 In: Creating for Creation’s Sake Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword for photographers.

Are you holding back in your creative career out of fear of failure? Take an unfiltered look at the importance of taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing uncertainty as a pathway to growth.