Student Profiles

Nicole Bentley

Freelance Fashion Photographer
Bachelor of Arts - Design

I chose to study at Curtin because I had heard it was the best place to study Design. The degree was demanding, but I felt you could get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. There is not always a right and wrong outcome in the design degree so everyone gets something different from the experience.

The photography units were the standouts for me. The access to equipment and technical support was really helpful. The photography lecturers always gave quality time to me in and out of lectures. The lecturers in general were committed and informed. As always, some were more talented at imparting knowledge than others. George in the equipment room goes down as my favourite.

Nicole Bentley's work I started my career by shooting my own personal work. By a chance meeting of a model booker, I then started shooting model portfolios. From that came fashion advertising bookings and an opportunity to work for Australian Vogue. I then moved from Perth to Sydney to pursue my career further. I now shoot for Vogue and Marie Claire and for many Australian fashion brands.

My degree gave me an introduction to photography that I would have never chosen to do hadn’t it been part of the degree. The photography units gave me the technical foundation on which I could then grow creatively. Combining photography and design has definitely helped in my fashion photography career as my images go on to be laid out and post produced. 

I would recommend the degree for those who are interested in Design broadly. I went in wanting to be a graphic designer and came out as a photographer. The degree covers different aspects of design to allow students to find where their passion lies. I would never be where I am today if I’d not had the experiences from this degree.