Photo Phactory

Cancer isn't all of you...

We met Justine years ago as our lecturer at uni. And you know when some people really make an impression on you? That was her. She's funny, knows how to wrangle a bunch of students when necessary, and makes sure you pass the test. For some odd reason I still remember the contents of that subject.
5 years later we meet again at the coffee shop where Chali work at and low and behold she remembered us. She remembered everyone!

After a quick scroll on Facebook we came to know about her recent battle (which she won btw) with cancer, and reached out to document this very unique time in her life.

In Justine's own words:

"This smoky photoshoot really captured the duality of my recent experiences.

The white representing the pure joy of survivorship and the gothic royalty showing the shadow side of my cancer journey. It's bittersweet when you realise that trials can forge your strength and deepen your empathy while also invite peak fragility that will require nurturing and healing for years to come.

Chali and Luke held space for me and my husband Matt as we ventured out into the water for some romantic photos. It was lovely to see our playful connection documented so beautifully. (They even managed to snap a few special photos without "Marilyn", my beloved breast prosthesis!)

I'm so grateful for these beautiful humans and their generosity in helping me reclaim my power. ✨"

p.s. moments like these are so fulfilling to our soul and we know this is exactly what we're meant to be doing in this life. Even in hard times, if we're able to give a moments reprieve or joy to a human being, we've done our job right.

Justine Stuckings
Chali Ferdinandis
Komuthu Shamal

Can't get enough of these black and whites

Venue:
Hair and Makeup:
Video:
DJ/MC:
Flowers:

Some of our absolute favourite photos to take are when the lights go down and the dance floor comes on!
Light trails, laughter, and candid moments. Can't ask for a better combo ✨🥂
Melbourne photographer, Melbourne events, Diamante Debutantes, Portrait photographer, Event Photography

Reminiscing from the past few months of 2024
Will be doing a few more posts 🥂

Melbourne, Melbourne photographer, Melbourne debutante ball, Diamante Debutantes, Portrait photographer, Melbourne Event photographer, Weddings, Melbourne Wedding photographer

A rainy day walking around in Melbourne

Deeper and deeper I dive to find all of me,
Deeper and deeper I dive to love all of me.

In a world built on making us feel less of ourselves, my greatest wish is that we all one day realise how beautiful, and whole each of us are. Nevermind what our past was, how much our hearts have broken, how much guilt and shame we were forced to hold.

I long to wake up one day and see the world smiling again. At peace again. We carry everyone's pain, it's sometimes hard to know what's yours and what's mine.

Yet I hold on to hope. I keep holding on to that beautiful day, as if my life depended on it.
❤️

Our very first studio session was super fun, thanks to
In frame with the beautiful Amanda L Darch