In Conversation with Nicole Bentley

Renowned photographer Nicole Bentley happened upon her art form by chance. She is known for nurturing young models at the beginning of their careers, as well as capturing some of the most iconic campaigns with the biggest names. Nicole now balances her art and motherhood, and with her family of five, from their dream home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 

As her children grow, Nicole’s photographic work reaches new heights and depths of emotion. 

Following a magical day spent with Nicole photographing our Avalon Collection, she kindly joined us for a conversation about how the facets of her life intersect. 

Behind the scenes of our Avalon Collection shoot with Nicole.

Your portraits are honest, intimate, and hold a cinematic beauty. How do you feel when you are behind the lens? Do you have a favourite part of the process? 

I like to be completely present with my subjects — to exist entirely in the moment. I’m quite a meticulous planner before a shoot, mapping out backgrounds and lighting so that on the day, I can surrender to spontaneity. That preparation gives me the freedom to connect intuitively and capture the quiet moments of beauty that unfold through my lens.

Editing is one of my favourite stages. There’s something meditative about being in a still, quiet room and reliving the experience through the images. The careful process of selection becomes an act of storytelling — shaping a visual narrative that reflects my aesthetic identity. It’s a moment of appreciation, when what was once imagined becomes real.

Did you find that your eye or creative process changed once you became a mother? If so, how?

Becoming a mother has naturally created a healthier rhythm between work and life. I spend more time in nature with my children, and that’s been a constant source of inspiration. I’ve always viewed image-making through a feminine lens, but motherhood has allowed me to embrace and honour that softness more fully, rather than feeling I need to present an alternative.

A collection of Nicole's emotive work.

How would you describe your personal style? What inspires you most?

My personal style has two distinct moods — minimalist and bohemian. I’m drawn to the simplicity of 90s minimalism, often dressing in all black, but in contrast, I melt for delicate, vintage white dresses. 

You have shared images of your beautifully renovated home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Do you find your personal style overlaps with how you style & design your home? 

Absolutely. I love my home to feel like a collection of treasures — pieces gathered with intention and love. I’m drawn to earthy textures and vintage finds, layered with modern design. It’s an extension of my personal style in that it’s guided by intuition rather than trends. I’m most inspired by spaces that feel authentic, lived-in, and quietly soulful — places that reflect who you are rather than what’s current.

Moments from home with Nicole.

You have spent quite a bit of time in Bali. How has this shaped you? What differences do you notice most about parenting and working there compared to in Australia?

Our time in Bali really shifted our perspective on family life and cultural norms. There’s a wonderful sense of freedom and openness there. The international community is diverse and creative, which fosters independent thinking — both for children and parents.

After the pandemic, we were craving space, freedom, and a sense of possibility. Bali encouraged us to think beyond Western ideals of child raising — to live a little more wildly, with less conformity and more intention.

Nicole captured her daughter, Aven, wearing Printebebe in Bali many moons ago.

What are your favourite activities to do together with your children?

We’re surrounded by beaches and bays here in the Northern Beaches, and the coastline is woven into our family life. My children have spent their childhoods playing in the sand — it’s our happy place. My daughter loves exploring rockpools for starfish and shells, while my boys spend hours body surfing and swimming in the ocean pools. It’s a rhythm of life we’ve grown into together, and I hope to grow old by the sea with these treasured memories. 

Looking forward in time to your children being a similar age to you now, what memories do you hope they hold on to of their childhoods?

I hope they hold onto our simple rituals — Friday night pizza, family UNO games, and puzzles. The moments when we focus on gratitude and life’s quiet pleasures: a sunny sky, a pretty flower, or a fluffy cat.

I hope they carry memories of time spent by the sea, back tickles and bedtime lullabies. Most of all, I hope they remember being held and told how loved they are.  

Rosie Tupper, Mozes and Aubrey captured by Nicole for Printebebe.

You can find more of Nicole's work on Instagram and on her website, and see her beautiful imagery for our Avalon Collection, online now.