Belinda Buxton qualifies with The Society of International Commercial and Industrial Photographers

Belinda submitted her panel and was recently awarded a Fellowship qualification by our fantastic team of qualified judges at our London Photo Convention FSICIP

Statement of Intent

Good morning, judges, and thank you for taking the time to assess my panel today.
My name is Belinda Buxton, and I’m a social and commercial photographer based in Norfolk. My passion for photography began with my father’s Kodak camera and its iconic cube flash—an early spark that ignited a lifelong creative journey. In 2007, I turned that passion into a profession with my first commissioned wedding. By 2012, I had established my own studio, where I’ve since refined my craft and expanded into a diverse range of photographic genres.

When asked what I photograph, I often say, “Anything really, as long as it’s legal!” This panel represents one such project—an ongoing commercial commission for VPGSim, a company that designs and manufactures custom-made gaming wheels. This assignment pushed me out of my comfort zone, presenting new challenges that were both rewarding and educational, and helping me stretch my technical and creative boundaries.

VPGSim’s wheels are high-end, immersive products designed for adult racing simulation enthusiasts. The wheels are modelled after real-world vehicles—one particularly memorable brief involved converting an original Formula 1 McLaren steering wheel for use in a simulator. This kind of attention to detail speaks volumes about the passion behind the product, and it provided a thrilling foundation for my work.

The project brought several challenges, especially in lighting the wide range of materials used in the wheels, from shiny to matte and textured surfaces. Capturing their full character required precise lighting control. A key part of the brief was to showcase illuminated elements and glowing colours against a black background—a feature that became a defining element of the final images. Striking the right balance between light, texture, and detail was both demanding and deeply satisfying, allowing me to experiment and refine my techniques while meeting the client’s expectations.

What makes this commission especially significant is that it is a true commercial brief.

In an age where digital formats dominate, it’s refreshing and fulfilling to see this work presented in print. Print remains a tangible and enduring medium—one that holds a unique and irreplaceable value in our industry.

The presentation of these prints was a key part of the process. I paid close attention to file preparation and paper selection to ensure the final output showcased each image at its best. The paper was chosen specifically to enhance the textures and lighting nuances of the wheels, while also emphasising the depth and richness of the dark backgrounds—a vital aspect of the client’s vision. This attention to detail helped ensure the final product met the high standards expected.

The panel before you is the culmination of all these efforts. The images have been used by the client for advertising and marketing purposes, and I’m incredibly proud to present them as part of my Fellowship submission.

Thank you once again for taking the time to review my work. I hope you enjoy viewing the images as much as I enjoyed creating them—and perhaps, you’ll make an old woman very happy.

Thank you.

Learn about our photography qualifications.