Simpson Studios

Richard Simpson

Although primarily a documentary and fine art photographer, with an extensive publication and exhibition history, I have also directed broadcast documentaries (as R F Simpson) and written fiction (as J J Salkeld). 

The works featured here are from historic and ongoing projects, exploring everything from issues of national identity (The Debatable Lands) and global warming (SEA LEVEL) to an enduring interest in change and mutability (mono no aware). 

The more recent work tends to be more introspective, featuring repeated metaphorical visual themes - such as the decaying remains of wartime sea defences - while work from earlier decades is more often in the documentary tradition, for example the Hound Trailing series from c1990. We have grouped work into a number of broad thematic categories.

Michaela Simpson

I’d describe myself as a Scottish photographer and printmaker of people and place. My background is in the fast paced world of commercial and event photography, a large part of that covering live gigs and the like UK wide. 

In the last few years a change of lifestyle and move to North Tyneside has allowed me concentrate on my personal and fine art work and also build on my printmaking skills. I make work in the local Northern Print and Edinburgh Printmakers.

I’m a member of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and their Women in Photography group, and I love teaming up with other creatives whenever I can.

One of the highlights of recent years has been working with the Japanese camera and lens company Sigma. As of 2024, I’m proud to be a Sigma Creator — it’s been amazing to explore new ways of making and sharing my work.