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.