Erica Serena Photographer

They said yes!!! 💍

The only thing better than photographing a proposal, is being a part of this moment with a dear friend of mine 🥰

This photoshoot with Alex and Amanda was supposed to happen a year ago, and for a variety of reasons, it got postponed not once, but 3 times throughout 2023 😱

But let me tell you something… it was worth the looooong wait! 😍

Congratulations lovers 💕

It’s taken me quite some time to write this post, because I’m still dealing with the way in which we lost out sweet boy Cheezels very suddenly on Christmas Eve.

But it’s a message I want every dog owner to hear as it may save your dog’s life one day. Every client I’ve spoken to since we lost him, has never heard of bloat, and I’m shocked.

Bloat is a deadly and very painful condition which comes on very, very quickly and is lethal. The only way to save a dog of dying from it, is to operate as quickly as possible.

It occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and the stomach then twists. This condition develops with very little warning and progresses quickly. It is always an emergency.

This is how it came on for Cheezels:

An hour or so after dinner he vomited (which happened every so often, so I didn’t think much of it, and I kept an eye on him).

He was a little bit unsettled and pacing for a few minutes, but then settled on his bed while we watched a movie. But after another hour or so, I caught him trying to vomit again twice, but nothing came up.

I let him outside, and he took himself to the lawn area where I watched him for a minute or so, and then realised his stomach all of a sudden looked like a balloon.

As soon as I saw that, I knew exactly what we were dealing with and rushed him to the nearest emergency vet.

Although we decided to go ahead with the operation to try to save him, despite his elderly age and handful of medical conditions, within an hour of having left him at the vet’s, they called us to tell us they didn’t recommend persevering with the op, as half of his stomach was turning black and already dying.

So we had no choice but to say goodbye.

I’ll spare you the other gut wrenching details of an incredibly traumatic experience for all of us, and have kept this as short as I can whilst giving you any relevant info which I hope you will never need to refer to….

But please do yourself and your friends and family a favour, and make them aware of this condition. Read up on it and know the signs. There are also some breeds which are more susceptible than others to getting it. The shar pei is one of them. Great Danes have a very high risk factor.

Signs of bloat:

• Pacing
• Agitation
• Frequent, usually unproductive, attempts to vomit
• Distended abdomen (although deep-chested breeds may not show this sign)

Many dogs do survive this, but you need to know about it and act quickly to have the best chance of saving your dog. Unfortunately we/he wasn’t so lucky.

Please share this message.

February has kicked off with an exciting competition, not just for some of my recent families, but possibly for you too 🤩

Every season, I have the pleasure of photographing so many wonderful families and building new connections.

So as a thank you to some of the families who helped me make 2023 a fantastic year, and also to give back to YOU, I run this seasonal giveaway 🥳

Swipe through to find out more about it, and even if you don’t know the families, make sure you vote for your favourite! You can opt in with the chance to win a prize for yourself too!

Here’s the voting link: https://ericaserena.com/vote-for-your-fave-family/

Voting closes Sunday at 3pm.

The winning family will be announced here on Sunday night, and the free lucky winners who opted in to win a prize for themselves, will be contacted by text and email Sunday evening too.

So if you get a text from me Sunday night, you’ve won yourself a pretty cool prize! 🎁

Good luck and have fun! 😘

When you think you’re going to get lovely, classic portraits of your family on the beach…. But then you son has other ideas and your shoot turns into a sandy, wet, fun session instead 😂

Leo decided most of the shoot should take place in the water, so we rolled with it, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!

And that sunset was insane!!! 😍

🎆 Unpopular Opinion 🎇

I LOVE photos looking at the camera 🤩

They have a bit of a stigma, but they really don’t have to be formal and boring.

I love the connection to the lens. They can be fun and relaxed whilst maintaining a timeless element to them.

So many of my clients say they want in the moment and candid photos looking at each other, which I always aim to deliver… but I still find most will choose looking at the camera photos as their favourites 🥰

Which team are you on?

Looking at the camera or at each other? Let me know in the comments below 😘

The sweetest review from this lovely family ❤️

Yep, little Jaxon decided on that day, that all he wanted to do was play in the water. So the “polished” style family photos, very quickly went out the window 🤣 and then our shoot got cut short with a downpour 🌧️

It might’ve been more of an express session, but this family absolutely loved the end result ❤️

Read their review to find out about their experience 👇

“Need photos taken? I can’t recommend Erica enough!

Every stage of the process was handled professionally, and she made the whole process enjoyable and easy.

During the photo shoot, she was amazing with our son, barking dog, and captured our family so beautifully and authentically.

No awkward, uncomfortable smiles or poses at all!

The viewing of our photos was the best! Even though our photo session was cut short due to rain, Erica managed to get so many amazing shots, and it was evident a lot of care and thought went into the way she presented our photos – it was stunning.

She is a very talented and honest photographer. I couldn’t be happier with our photos, and will definitely be using her again in the future!”

Ten glorious frames of Duska & Brad

Together, we got to relive their wedding day today.

Tomorrow, their wedding album design will be finalised, and in a few weeks, they’ll have a one of a kind family heirloom to reminisce, share and enjoy for a lifetime ❤️❤️❤️

The design consultation appointments are my absolute fave 🥰

Congratulations to all the lovers who got engaged over the festive season! I know of a few already 🥰

Starting the new year on cloud 9 is the best feeling ❤️

Tag your engaged friends and invite them to follow along 😘

Happy New Year! 🥳

💍

2023 was a pretty awesome year except for that curve ball thrown our way right at the end….

I haven’t had much brain space to reflect on all the highlights and accomplishments of this wonderful year, as unexpectedly losing our sweet boy Cheezels on Christmas Eve is still what’s most prominent in my mind.

But thinking back to the start of the year, I had a gut feeling it was going to be a transformative year, and it absolutely has lived up to its name.

In March, I began making diet changes and sustainably lost 14kg this year. It’s been slow, but permanent progress, and I’m sure I can continue to lose more in the new year.

Nia changed careers and got a new fifo job in June. It’s been a huge adjustment for us in many ways, and are hoping she can change jobs in the new year so she’s not away as much as she is now. All while earning more 🤑

I spent the second half of the year digging deep and doing some inner work with MJB Seminars, as well as transforming the way I handle money. And I’m loving everything I’m learning so far. I’m so excited for more in 2024. I have no doubt I’m going to be a different person by this time next year.

My 2023 was filled with meaningful work. Officially more family portraits than weddings, but still loving both. I really do have a spectacular job!

My dad and his other family have now moved to Perth, and I’m loving building a relationship with my little half brother and sister, and generally seeing them more often than I ever have. My sister and nephews also came to visit twice this year! This Christmas was the first time in 10 years, we’ve all spent it together.

I didn’t really feel like celebrating though, after having lost Cheezels the day before. I feel like we need a holiday do-over as this one has been clouded in sadness 💔

We had an amazing family photo shoot recently, which was such an amazing experience and I cannot wait to see the photos and share some with you soon!

For 2024, I’m feeling like it’ll be a year of growth. In business and personal life. I’m seeing more outsourcing happening at work, creating more quality/family time and a better work/life balance. Most likely a new puppy (or two 🙊) joining our family, and the business growing as the year progresses. There will undoubtedly be self development work in there, as I’m officially hooked.

This year wouldn’t have been what it was without the support of my wonderful clients. Thank you to each and every one of you. Even if we haven’t worked together before, I appreciate you being here, liking, commenting or just reading my posts.

Happy New Year friends! 🎉 I hope whatever you do tonight, you’re making memories and ending the year on a high note ❤️

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with love, great company, good food and everlasting memories ❤️

This year is an extra special one for me, as I get to spend it with my dad AND my sister! It’s been about 10 years since we’ve spent Christmas together 🎄

Enjoy the festivities!

Much love from me, Nia, Cheezels (R.I.P. 23.12.23) and Baxter 🎁

🤍 little did we know at the time of taking this photo, that it was going to be the last Xmas photo as a family of 4. Yet again, I’m reminded of the importance of what I do 🤍

I don't normally photograph in home newborn shoots, as I have a fully equipped natural light studio especially for it.

But when my past wedding client Amy, mentioned she'd love to include her kitty cats Ian and Keith, I made an exception. The only thing better than newborn cuddles, is newborn AND kitty cuddles! 🥰

The boys were still getting used to their baby sister, and as the saying goes... "never work with kids and animals", they made us all work hard! 😅

But with some team effort, we got the shot! And several hilarious ones to follow... It might not be technically perfect, but we got a settled baby and two cats to look at the camera at the same time, so I call that a win! 😻

Is your whole family coming together over the festive season?

Mine is!!!! And I'm sooooo incredibly excited! It's been about 10 years since we've been together at Christmas time, so do you know what we're doing?

We've booked a family photo shoot to celebrate! You should too! 📷

Although I'm taking time off to spend time with my family over the festive season, I know first hand how important it is to make memories such as these with the ones who mean the world to you, so I'm opening up just TWO spots on Fri 29th and Sat 30th Dec for any families who would love to make some everlasting memories.

Just send me a DM for more info ❤️

Sometimes (ok, quite a lot actually 🥰) my clients cry when they see their photos for the first time. And occasionally, someone will ask me if it’s normal, probably because they didn’t expect it.

It happens more often than not, and while it’s never my intention to make people cry, it naturally happens when you get to see an outwardly projection of how you feel on the inside about those who mean the most to you ❤️

Amongst the day-to-day running of a household, raising a family, and just every day life obligations, those few minutes of seeing your photos for the first time, particularly during the slideshow… gives you the opportunity to pause and truly be in the moment, and be reminded of how much love surrounds you each day.

Now imagine being able to see them proudly on display in your home every day? Each day, my own photos I have hanging on my walls, bring a smile to my day 🥰

Gift certificates are available and make the most amazing Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Drop me a 🎁 and I’ll DM you the link to get one under the tree this year 🎄

This past weekend of Christmas experience photo shoots was phenomenal! 🎁⁣

I loved every minute of it, and I'm pretty confident everyone who attended did too 🥰 Have you seen the reel I posted with some BTS?

I'll be sharing more photos in the lead up to Christmas, because there's just too many cute ones not to... but just for now, check out a little snippet of the memories we created together!

Massive thanks to the team at for creating such a stunning and interactive set for everyone. It keeps getting better every year! ❤️

That’s a wrap on this year’s Christmas experience shoots! Soooooo many amazing memories were made, and so much fun was had by all 🥰

Massive thanks to all the gorgeous families and couples who were a part of it, and huge shout out to for creating the most incredible and interactive set for everyone.

It’s been my absolute favourite by far 🥳

Stay tuned for photos soon! 🎄

That’s a wrap on this year’s Christmas experience shoots! Soooooo many amazing memories were made, and so much fun was had by all 🥰 Massive thanks to all the gorgeous families and couples who were a part of it, and huge shout out to @mardieco for creating the most incredible and interactive set for everyone. It’s been my absolute favourite by far 🥳 Stay tuned for photos soon! 🎄 #ericaserena #ericaserenaphotographer #perthchristmas #perthchristmasgifts #perthchristmasphotos #perthtodo #perthfamily #perthfamilyphotographer #perthfamilies #perthfamilyphotography #perthfamilyportraits #perthfun

She’s ready!!!! 🙌 ❤️ 😘

I envision the reindeer and big present are going to get a workout from both kids and adults alike! 😜 🎁

Thank you for your vision and elegant set ups 🤩

I cannot wait to help so many families and couples create everlasting memories ❤️

Like father, like daughter ❤️

Fun fact: most people typically have two main crease lines on their palm, but about 1 in 30 people have a single palmar crease.

Gabrielle’s dad pointed out he’s passed this single crease into his little girl, so wanted to capture this detail 🥰

Do you have one or two main creases? I have two on both hands 🙌

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Congratulations Lauren and Justin! 😍

What a blast we had yesterday realising Lauren’s dream wedding since she was a little girl 🥰 I can speak on her behalf and say it exceeded her expectations and wildest dreams. Husband included 😘 I love the love these two share ❤️

There were so many big and little moments, it was incredibly hard to pick just a few xx

Happy wedding day Lauren & Justin!

Today is going to be stunning, I already know it!

Lauren is one of those brides that’s been dreaming of this day since she was a little girl.

I cannot wait to share this journey with her and her Justin and watch their magical day unfold 🥰

My first official family photo shoot in my studio that wasn’t a maternity or newborn family.

I’m loving it!

I have a few more babies of similar age booked in for January, and I’m so excited to be able to continue to use my gorgeous natural light studio for more sessions like this one 🥰

Little Hayden made us work hard for those smiles, but my gosh they were worth the effort! What a cutie 🥰

This time next week, my studio is going to undergo a transformation for my Christmas experience photo shoots!

I’m so excited for to create their magic for all my beautiful families and couples 🥰

This year’s set is going to be a stunning ruby red colour with hints of gold, lush velvet furniture, and some drop dead gorgeous bright red trees 😍

Scroll to the end to see a little mock up I’ve made of the set. I truly cannot wait and I’m getting so excited! I even have a huge gift box been made, which I envision is going to be so much fun for the kids to climb in an out of 🤩 And not to forget the super cute reindeer seat for them to ride 🐴

I’m heading to the shops tomorrow to buy a few more last minute things, but this time next week I’ll be able to reveal the finished set!

Will you join me in creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones for just $275?

Find out more at the link in my bio 🔗

Erica xx

🎅

🎄Just 3 weeks to go until this year’s Christmas experience photo shoot weekend!!! 🥳

I’m so excited to share with you, that the incredible set have designed for my families this year, will be a stunning Ruby Red with touches of gold and brown warm tones 😍♥️😍♥️😍

I cannot wait to see it come to life!

Will you join me in creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones for just $275?

Find out more at the link in my bio 🔗

Erica xx

🎅

Yesterday I photographed a wedding for a couple who’ve been married for almost a decade 🥰

When they first got married all those years ago, current circumstances prevented them from having the wedding they’d always dreamed of. But they always promised themselves they would one day have the wedding celebration they always dreamed of.

Three kids later, and two covid postponements later, Tina and Gavin finally got to realise that dream!

Congratulations lovers! Seeing Gavin tear up during his vows after so many years of marriage, was such a highlight 🥰

It's been a while between shoots...
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Life is busy when you're a parent right? You blink, and all of a sudden, you have teenagers... does that sound familiar?
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Although we haven't seen each other in about a decade, I was so grateful I was able to reconnect with this wonderful family 🥰
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Just you wait till I show you their gorgeous order 😍 I'm so excited for this one!
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What a difference a 5 minute phone conversation can have to your family photos! Swipe to see what this family were considering wearing to their family shoot.... ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Firstly, I adore that they all got dressed up and took a selfie 🥰 Usually when my clients need advice on outfits, I get a text with the clothes spread out on the bed, so this was next level dedication, which I loved!

But.... as soon as I saw this, I knew this needed to be a phone conversation so a gentle, guiding tone could be heard in my suggestions and advice.

I discussed with Louise the clashing patterns which would become a distraction in the photos, and also the colour of her son's pants weren't cohesive with the rest of the family.

I'm sure you'll agree the difference between the 'before & after' photos is HUGE, and a massive improvement!

If you're needing assistance with what to wear to your upcoming photo shoot, I'm here for you, and I promise, the effort is worth it. Definitely don't leave it till the last minute as it can quickly become a stressful experience.

And if you feel as though you need a professional to help you shop for new outfits and co-ordinate the entire family, why not consider a stylist like ? She's so fab!

Tell me in the comments below... do you love this before & after? And does this story resonate with you?

Erica xx

I have dealt with losing Mum more in the past 2 days, than I have in the last 19 years since she’s been gone…

Earlier this week I attended a self development seminar which ran over 51 hours. If only you could’ve heard the internal dialogue going on in my head, and how much I had to truly push myself to go there. I really didn’t want to, but deep down, I knew I needed to.

It was a transformational experience and my words won’t be able to do it justice. I received one of the most comforting hugs from one of the other attendees, whose name I didn’t even know at the time. I learned so much about human connection in those few days.

Thank you for creating such a safe space for a group of strangers to be able to share and experience everything so freely and deeply.

I was sh****ng myself and wondering what the hell I’d gotten myself into from the moment I booked in. And now, after having experienced it and giving it my all, I’m no longer scared.

I’m so proud of myself for pushing myself to do this, and I’m looking forward to doing some more profound work at the next one and watching my life change.

The tension I often feel in my chest is gone and I can breathe deeply again 🤍