2 weeks ago, during one of our busiest periods and in between our many weddings – we decided to give the 2012 AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards (VPPYs) a go. With a new baby and new studio last year, we couldn’t find any time to work on any photos for 2011. However this year, we said to ourselves that we had to do it, to showcase some of our latest work!

We got our Canson papers out of the cupboards, warmed up our Epson Stylus Pro 3880 and started frantically editing for the awards. Thanks heaps to Matt from Kayell and Seldex for supplying us with last minute printing profiles and materials. 1 hour before the awards was due (it felt like a university assignment), our images were all printed/matted up and we drove straight to the AIPP head office.

The awards judging day came along and we watched every one of our photos being judged online via Livestream and we have great news.
We are stoked to say, that we won 3 Silver awards! With another 3 prints barely missing out on 79 (1 point off silver)!
Thank you to all the judges and our super wedding couples for your support!

As we have decided to reenter these photos into the national awards next week, we won’t be able to show the award winning ones to you yet.
However, please find below 2 of the images that scored 79!





Wish us luck for the nationals!

Alan & Karen
Finessence Photography – Simply You.

It has been awhile since we have shared one of our same day wedding slideshows.

This one is from Anne & Loc’s wedding last Saturday that was shown at their reception at International Brighton.

The morning started off with fire crackers (note to self: remember to bring ear muffs next time) for the traditional Vietnamese tea ceremonies both at the bride and groom’s home.
We then headed off for a bit of fun with location shots at Fitzroy Gardens and South Wharf.

Thanks for the great day Anne & Loc, can’t wait to share more with you.

Click play below to enjoy the recap of the day!

Anne and Loc’s Same Day Wedding Slideshow from Finessence Photography on Vimeo.

Music licensed by The Music Bed

Recently graduated from Masters of IT, meet Bahadir. He somewhat reminds me of Edward Norton. Do you think so too?

Danni and Dave are two very affectionate people who describes their relationship as honest and best mates. Love just shines through this young energetic couple. They met through the local Field Hockey Club where Danni played in one of the teams that Dave coached and a friendship began, eventually their circumstances changed and they ended up spending more and more time together and eventually became an item! It was their 5 year anniversary and Dave organised to take Danni away for the weekend which was a complete surprise! He took Danni to the Apollo Bay and stayed in a beautiful little lodge in front of an amazing view of the beach. On the evening of their anniversary, as they were cuddling to the last little bit of sun on the deck and sharing a bottle of champagne, Dave found the perfect moment to asked Danni to marry him. He got down on one knee, produced the most amazing engagement ring and popped the question! Of course Danni said yes after a thousand “OMGs!”

Wedding Theme
Relaxed. Warm. Loving. A Sunday session at the pub!

Wedding Advice
Invest the money on the parts of the day that last forever, your rings then the memory catchers! Photographers and Videographers. It’s well worth every cent!

Photography experience with us (Finessence Photography)
Extremely professional but so personal, friendly and warm. Alan and his team are extremely talented and qualified! The whole process is so much more than someone arriving on the day and taking some photos of you. They take the time to get to know you, so that they can capture the essence of you in what they are photographing. The amount of time, effort and detail that goes into what they do is amazing and well worth every cent.

Thank you so much Danni and Dave for entrusting us with this special task to capture beautiful memories for you to cherish for the rest of your life. Who knows, your wedding portrait may be shared at your Children’s wedding like what you did with your parent’s and grandparents photos. Such a special touch which our Facebook fans found inspirational









Thank you Mandy Campbell from Relic Imagery for assisting Alan on the day!!!

Like what you see? Here are the Wedding details:
Videography: Marcus Seeger from Wheelhouse Studios
Hair and Make-up: Candice Deman from Demand the Workz
Florist: Jaclyn Roma Floral Design
Reception venue: Bridges Restaurant, Hurstbridge
Church venue: Bridges Restaurant – Hurstbridge
Celebrant: Mark Stewart
Car hire: Personal Cars…the white vintage sports car used to be Peter Brock’s!!!
Wedding gown: Maggie Sottero Gown
Wedding suit: Spurling Formal Hire Greensborough
Bridal Shoes: Wittner
Wedding rings: Personal Jeweller
Invitation cards: Designed by the clever Dani!!!
Wedding cake: Katie’s Cakes (0414 778 805)

Good evening! Here is the final saga to our amazing vintage-inspired bridal shoot with Miss Aimmey Make-up & Hair. If you’ve missed our first chapter, you can read it here.




Many thanks to our amazing Creative Team:
Photographer: Karen Woo from Finessence Photography
Technical Assistant: Alan Woo from Finessence Photography
Make-up & Hair Stylist: Aimmey Huynh from Miss Aimmey Make-up & Hair
Creative Director: Thom Whilton from Couturing
Models: Penny Hagekyriakou and Julie Wynn
Assistants: Phillip Pham, April Conde and Suzanna Zhang
Gowns: Gwendolynne and Cathleen Jia Designs
Shoes: Wittner
Location: Eynesbury Golf Course
Flowers: Domain Flowers

Aimmey Huynh from Miss Aimmey Hair & Makeup is one incredibly bright, fun-loving, a romantic and a highly experienced Hair and Make-up artist whom I had the pleasure of befriending and collaborating with, to bring her vision into a reality. The more I got to know her, I am just amazed at how incredibly similar we are in the way we talk, we think and do things. It was one of those working relationships where we can just look at each other and immediately know what each other is thinking and get things done quickly and smoothly.

We collaborated with Aimmey to recreate a vintage-inspired Bridal shoot which illustrated fun, romance, happiness with a girlish charm when a Bride gets their hair and make-up done on the eve of their special day. Aimmey firmly believed that every Bride’s make-up and hair shouldn’t overshadow their natural beauty but instead let their best features and happiness shine right through.

Here’s a selection of our favourite images from our Bridal shoot. Read on to find out more about Miss Aimmey too.





Hi Miss Aimmey, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I am creative in both my imagination and my work. I believe that everyone deserves to be loved. I am a romantic at heart and love all things that tug at the heart strings. I am sentimental hence I love vintage pieces and anything/one with a story to tell. I love nature and truly appreciate a beautiful sunset. I value above all us my family, friends and amazing partner because they are the people who love, care and support me. Without them I wouldn’t be here today. I am always happy and appreciate everything – especially chocolate. I am lucky to be doing what I love and hope to inspire others to do the same.

How did Miss Aimmey Makeup & Hair come about?

Miss Aimmey is my dream come to life. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the creative industry. Not until I was working in the corporate world where I wasn’t enjoying my work, did I realise that being happy is the most important thing in life, especially in your career. So i decided to follow my heart and passion by doing a course in make up and eventually hair. I worked for a cosmetics company for two years and from there realised how much I loved being involved in someones special day. I took a leap of faith and started my own business hoping to make a difference in the wonderful world of hair and make up.

How would (someone) describe your hair & make-up style?

I hope they would say that it’s soft, romantic and effortless. I always aim to recreate what it is someone has envisioned in their minds and hopefully add a bit more. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone look in the mirror and being ecstatic about what they see staring back at them. I would never want to cake on make up and make hair look unnatural, i believe that everyone is beautiful, hair and make up is just an enhancing tool.

What is the latest hair and make-up styling trend today?

Hair and make up continues to evolve all the time. I’m seeing alot more of the 1920′s – 1940′s vintage styling. Also, make up and hair is a lot softer and more natural where everything is blended beautifully instead of harsh lines and extreme colour like the 1990′s. Less is more!

What do you find most challenging in your job?

The most challenging thing about my job is trying to meet the expectations of my clients. I would hate to fall short of what someone envisions themselves to look like. I’m such a perfectionist and always want to do well in my job and it’s always a challenge thinking on your feet and altering your style. Having said that, it’s also rewarding taking away a new skill or developing my knowledge into something I can physically see. The only other challenging thing I can think of is all the early, early starts! But well worth it at the end of the day.

Who do you look up to in hair and make-up styling?

I look up to everyone. From famous make up artists like Kevin Aucon to Bobbi Brown to the girl on the street rocking an awesome lip colour. I learn from everyone and draw inspiration from everywhere I look. I just look up to anyone who has the confidence to really wear their look or are following their passion and wants to share their knowledge. I am a really big fan of all artists and I believe everyone is creative in their own way. I know that you can never stop learning and so I look up to anyone who inspires me.

If someone was interested in hair and make-up styling, what would be your ultimate advice?

I would tell them that they have to be passionate about make up and hair. It’s a job that what seems glamorous from the outside but is also a lot of work like everything. It takes time to build up your skills in everything but be patient with yourself and know that with every person you get to apply make up on or style hair for, you’re learning and developing your skills and style. Be eager to learn because there are so many techniques out there and most importantly, practice practice practice. I would defintely recommend working for a cosmetics company as you not only learn about a whole product range top to toe but you also get to work in make up everyday. Never give up and follow your dreams, it really is well worth it in the end.

How do you describe the concept of this Bridal shoot you recently did with us (Finessence Photography)?

My vision for a bride on her wedding day is always something that enhances her natural beauty. I believe that make up and hair for your special day shouldn’t overshadow your natural beauty but instead make you feel at your most beautiful by drawing on your best features and allowing your happiness to shine through. I wanted to recreate a photoshoot that matched the emotions that a bride goes through the morning of her wedding. It’s always such a fun, nerve wracking and exciting period before she walks down the aisle. Every bride that I’ve had the pleasure of working with has been such a delight and I just wanted to portray that in this shoot as I’m so excited for 2012 and all the brides I will be lucky enough to meet.

What was it like working with us (Finessence Photography)?

It is always an incredible experience. Karen, you are so helpful through everything and your easy going nature makes my life so easy. We have the same vision and we have very similar styles. Your work is impeccable and beyond my expectations. Everyone on set loved working with you both. You are all so easy going and make the models feel so comfortable and relaxed. Alan, you’re quiet but take some amazing natural shots. You make an unbelievable team and the photos are evidence of how great your eye for detail is as well as your passion and love for your work. Also, having Jayden around is one of my favourite parts! I can’t wait for the many future experiences we’ll have together.

Thank you so much Miss Aimmey for letting us become part of your dream. We are deeply humbled by your admiration for our work and we are very blessed to call you our friend. We can’t wait to work with you on future shoots together. Much love, Karen & Alan.

Many thanks to our amazing Creative Team:
Photographer: Karen Woo from Finessence Photography
Technical Assistant: Alan Woo from Finessence Photography
Make-up & Hair Stylist: Aimmey Huynh from Miss Aimmey Make-up & Hair
Creative Director: Thom Whilton from Couturing
Wedding Gowns, Jewelry and Furniture: Rosa Mak from Violetta Bridal
Head Pieces and Beaded Violet Sash: Stephanie Mizzi from In2twine
Location: Eynesbury Golf Course
Flowers: Domain Flowers
Models: Penny Hagekyriakou and Julie Wynn
Assistants: Phillip Pham, April Conde and Suzanna Zhang

If you have a concept and would like to collaborate with us then call us to discuss on 8060 6319 today.

Otherwise, stay tuned for our NEXT chapter featuring the girls dressed in Gwendolynne Design and Cathleen Jia Designs’ gowns which are perfect for any first bridal dance.

Opening our first boutique photography studio in May last year was definitely the most challenging and greatest achievements of our entire professional career. To mark this special occasion, we invited our family and friends, clients and facebook fans to our launch party and have their Facebook profile taken. Every person was in the running to become Finessence’s next top model as voted by our Finessence Photography Facebook fans to win a portrait session valued at $1000. Ruth, Robin and little Jared were the lucky winners! Congratulations!

Ruth and Robin wanted the family portrait session to be natural, spontaneous and fun so I took the family down Maling Road out in the rain to let the day unfold. There were lots of puddle splashing, dog patting and family loving. I absolutely adore little Jared’s curious nature. He recently learned how to count from 1-10, so it was so cute watching him shredding up the leaves and dividing it between his mum and dad. Such a sweet and beautiful family….. and Ruth happens to be one of my dearest friends since high school years! I’m thinking that I’m the luckiest person here because I felt so privileged to capture my best friend’s family. I also learned that they haven’t had their family portraits taken professionally since they got married 4 years ago!






Book a portrait session today by calling us on 1300 808 132, as it would be an absolute pleasure to create something special for your family to treasure for many years to come.

Let me start by wishing you all a VERY HAPPY 2012! We hope you had a relaxing break over the Christmas season and now ready to begin 2012 as it’s going to be a good year

To kick-start our 2012 blog, I want to introduce Cobi, Clare and Laura – three stunning sisters. Cobi is actually one of our friendly neighbours on Maling Rd who is a young successful and savvy business woman who owns a Florist called Flowers of Canterbury. Cobi has been welcoming from the day we moved into Maling Road, and she has been spoiling us and our wedding clients with such incredible flower bouquets. She’s super talented and I can’t wait to collaborate with her on some commercial projects this year. Oh when you get a chance, you have to visit her shop as she has a lot of goodies like the latest seasonal flower arrangements, Wick Wick scented candles and “Some Fancy Ladies” merchandise. And while you are there, go ask her about her little froggies!

The three sisters wanted to surprise her parents with a portrait of themselves for Christmas. Apparently it was a rare chance for the three sisters to get together now that Laura lives away from Melbourne. I recently received news from Laura that their parents loved their presents and these were her exact words:

“Karen, I never thanked you for the pics! I haven’t had a chance to have a good look but my Aunty said that my Mum burst into tears when she saw the print. Thank you so much *smiles*. It was heaps of fun and something that we will cherish for a life time. xx”

It was my absolute pleasure. Well it just sums up why I ADORE my job as a portrait photographer – creating happy memories for families to last for a lifetime. xx



Just to throw in another pic, here is Cobi on the far right all glammed up with “Some Fancy Ladies” on the eve of our Christmas Santa instant photo day at the Maling Road Kris Krindl event. They were promoting Candice DeVille’s latest phenomenon – Some Fancy Ladies. Hope you LIKE the pic because I assure you, Santa did!



Get together with your family and book a portrait session today at info@finessence.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.

When year 2011 hit, we knew it was going to be a special year with the opening of our boutique photography studio on Maling Road. It soon became even more special with our expecting first child – Jayden. It has been an amazing ride and a valuable life experience.

Being high achievers, we did set our goals high for this year and having Jayden did not slow us down. Not only have we shot the most portrait and weddings in a year, we have added more to our fashion portfolio, developed artistically as photographers and welcomed Sonya, our studio assistant (what a blessing she has been!) to the Finessence family.

Our focus for 2011 was a bit different – it wasn’t about the awards but creating the Finessence experience. We wanted to make sure that anyone who steps into our boutique photography studio or visit our website receives a personalised service, amazing photography experience and take home beautiful heirloom pieces to be passed down generations.

We hope you have enjoyed the Finessence experience and it wouldn’t have been possible without all your support and we can’t thank you all enough – friends, family, wedding couples, family portrait clients, fashionistas, florists, stylists, hair stylists, make up artists, models, vendors, videographers and fellow photographers. Thank you so much for supporting our work and our young family.

We can’t wait to continue to do what we do best – laugh, have a good time and shoot amazing images for you all. We have many projects lined up for 2012 that we can’t wait to share with you all – including our new Finessence web site.

God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas and a great start to 2012.

Love Karen, Alan and little Jayden

Finally…..here are some moments from 2011 and what’s to come in 2012!












Credits….hope we have included everyone!

Candice DeVille, Cecylia Kee, Penny Adams from P.S.I Love You, Dean Hewitt & JC Lloyd-Southwell d’Anvers from Madam Virtue & Co., Phoebe Goulding, Leon Smith & Anuska Smith from StrugnellCole Hair Dressing, Sophie Evans from Impact Image Hair, Barbarella Hair, Miss Aimmey Hair & Make-up, Lisa Teh & Thom Whilton from Couturing, Cathleen Jia Designs, Marcus Seeger from Wheelhouse Studios and Cobi Mastenbroek from Flowers of Canterbury.

We love to parttteeee…..so we invited all our friends, Facebook fans and VIPs to a night of crazzeeee photoboothing. I almost knocked out a tooth (yep….all captured on film!), met an Einstein look-alike, had fancy custom made cupcakes with our Finessence logo baked by Giulia from Baking Passion and grooved to the latest song covers sung by the sensational ‘Acoustication’. It was a sensational night of letting our hair down, catching up with everyone and having a laugh. Thank you so much for everyone popping by!

Uh freaky….where’s your body hiding?




Seriously….does he look like Einstein??? Like this post if you think so!


Ah yes. This must hurt…..so sorry Amy! *embarrassed*


Anthony Lio, Tom Chong and Kim Gong from Acoustication all dressed up.



These are our Finessence cupcakes baked by the clever Giulia from Baking Passion. They were gobbled up quickly!


Yes…please explain…hey but congrats Kaitrin & Trevor on the pending arrival of your first bubby!!!