Some background, a little history and the story behind the studio.
I'm Bel, an Australian photographer and the founder of D’Esterre Studio. I thought it was about time I put a few words together about where it all started, what the name means and what I'm hoping to build here.
Photo by: Toby Sulendra
A name with history.
d’ (de) — of
esterre — earth
D’Esterre is my family middle name, passed down through generations with French and mixed European heritage.
It's a name I've always felt connected to, but its meaning has become even more special over time. Of Earth. It feels fitting for a body of work so heavily influenced by the natural world, its textures, materials, light and imperfections.
Where it all began.
Photography has never really been just about taking pictures. To me, it's about expressing how you see the world, creating art and using it as a tool to serve others.
I've been making things with a camera for as long as I can remember. My brother and I grew up making little YouTube movies, and in 2014, Mum gifted me my first camera for Christmas. I quickly fell in love with photography, particularly capturing nature and all the little details of the world around me (usually after Dad had forced us outside).
At school, I gravitated towards Film, Media and Drama, creating award-winning short films and music videos in my senior years. It wasn't long before I started thinking about taking things a little more seriously.
Then 2020 happened. With the world turned upside down, I saw an opportunity to give it a go. I was young, had a camera in my hands and figured there was no better time to start.
Since then, I've photographed a little bit of everything. Weddings, couples, creative shoots, music videos, portraits, landscapes and eventually, more commercial work with businesses and brands. Along the way, I found a particular love for interiors, architecture and the spaces we live in.
What started as a hobby has grown into a career, but the curiosity that got me started is still there.
Bringing it all together.
I've been lucky to work with some incredible people and take on all sorts of projects. Over time, I've realised that there needs to be room for both sides of creativity: the work we create for others and the work we create simply because we're curious.
That's what I wanted D’Esterre to become.
A creative studio bringing together photography, film and creative direction to make thoughtful visual work. A place for client collaborations, independent projects, new ideas and the occasional creative experiment.
I'm drawn to natural textures, warm light, honest materials, imperfections and all the little things that make you stop and look twice. I hope a little of that comes through in what we make.
More than anything, I want the studio to be a space to create with intention, collaborate with good people and bring stories to life.
The studio crew.
Behind the scenes is a small circle of trusted collaborators, each bringing their own perspective, skills and ideas to the table.
Bella D’Esterre
Photography · Creative Direction
Toby Sulendra [my partner]
Creative Direction · Photography · Editing
Drayz / Andre Groves [my brother]
Videography · Editing
Scrapbook Studios / Mia Kelly [my best mate]
Creative Direction · Graphic Design · Screenwriting
An independent studio, supported by good people and shared creative energy.
And that's a little about us. There's plenty more to come, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes.
A creative or brand looking to collaborate? We'd love to hear from you.
