When Bella joined Kingsley’s A-level Photography course two years ago, it was already clear she had something special. Her love for photography had been developing quietly for years. Since then, she has developed into a confident and skilled young photographer with a distinctive creative voice. From experimenting with studio lighting to capturing commercial-style product shots, Bella has embraced every opportunity to grow. As she prepares for the next stage of her journey, we sat down with her to reflect on her experiences, inspirations and aspirations for the future.
Why did you choose to study photography?
“I have always liked taking photos, especially as my dad has been a keen photographer in his spare time. During lockdown, Mr Lax organised a weekly photography competition, which really got me into photography. I’ve worked with a wedding photographer for two years, taking and editing wedding photos. I’ve also filmed products and been on the QVC shopping channel!“
What skills have you learned?
“I’ve developed a strong understanding of how to use a DSLR camera – for example, controlling exposure through aperture, shutter speed, ISO – and how to adapt my settings depending on lighting conditions. I’ve also become more confident with studio lighting, product photography setups, and using editing software like Photoshop.“
What support have you received?
“Mr Lax has been a brilliant and inspiring teacher and has taught me a lot of skills I didn’t know (whilst being very patient and calm!). I’m grateful for all his help. Everyone in my class has worked hard and been supportive of one another, but the lessons have also been fun and full of laughs!“
Which aspects of the course have you most enjoyed?
“I’ve really enjoyed the hands-on, creative side of the course – especially setting up shoots in the studio and experimenting with lighting and composition. Product photography has become a particular favourite of mine. I find it satisfying to take something simple, like a perfume bottle, and create a professional, polished image. I have enjoyed having the freedom to choose my own themes and push creative boundaries, especially with the fruit and water project, where I got to explore more abstract ideas.”
Can you tell us about your coursework projects?
“I have completed two main projects. The first was focused on perfume advertising photography, where I aimed to replicate the high-end, stylised look of commercial campaigns. I used various backgrounds, lighting setups, and props like flowers and water to enhance the visual appeal of the product. The second project was more experimental, exploring reflections and refractions using fruit and water. I played with glass, light, and liquids to capture distortion and abstract patterns, which allowed me to be more creative and explore different moods through colour and shape. Both projects helped me develop different skillsets – one more commercial and clean, the other more artistic and conceptual.“
Do you have a favourite photo?
“Yes – one of the photos from my perfume advertising project! It features a bottle of Acqua di Gioia surrounded by shimmering light and water reflections. I love this image because it captures both elegance and freshness, which perfectly matches the scent and the branding of the perfume. I used a wide aperture and a telephoto lens to create a beautiful bokeh effect, and the subtle reflection below the bottle adds depth and symmetry to the composition. The inspiration came from high-end fragrance campaigns, particularly ones by brands like Giorgio Armani, which often use natural elements like water, glass and light to evoke a sense of purity and sophistication. I wanted to create something visually striking but minimal, using real light and reflections instead of relying heavily on editing. I was also inspired by the idea of merging product photography with fine art aesthetics, making the product part of a scene that feels almost dreamy or cinematic.“
What camera settings did you use?
“For the perfume shot, I used my Canon R and a 70-200mm lens. I set the aperture to around f/2.8 to get a good balance between sharpness and background separation. My shutter speed was about 1/8,000 seconds, and my ISO around 200, to keep the image clean. “
What are your plans for the future?
“I’m planning to study a photography degree at university. In the future, I would love to travel and explore forensic or sports photography.“
