Serena Dzenis

This week we put the questions to Serena Dzenis an Australian fine art photographer who is based in Iceland

What got you into photography ?

I’ve been passionate about photography since I was 9 years old. I got my first instant camera as a gift, and I took it with me to Phillip Island on a school camp. I remember capturing everything — from photos of my friends to the adorable fairy penguins we saw. That experience sparked something in me, and my love for photography grew from there. As I got older, I became more serious about it and began saving for my first DSLR camera, which I bought when I was 17. That purchase marked the official beginning of my photography journey and set me on the path to pursuing it as a career.

How long have you been shooting for ?

I've been shooting for the past 31 years. Over the years, my passion for photography has only deepened. From my first instant camera to where I am today, photography has been a constant in my life, and it’s incredible to look back on how much I’ve learned and how my style has evolved over the years.

What do you most like to shoot ? 

My favourite subject to shoot is industrial architecture in nature, especially when there’s a celestial element involved, like a daytime moon or the aurora. There's something about the contrast between man-made structures and the natural world that fascinates me, especially when the lighting is just right. I’m particularly drawn to golden hour and blue hour, as those moments bring such a magical quality to the scene.

I also have a deep love for macro photography, particularly when it comes to fungi. Exploring different species in new places and capturing the intricate details of mushrooms, moss, and other small wonders in nature is something I find incredibly rewarding. The way light interacts with these tiny, often overlooked subjects is what keeps me coming back to it.

What camera do you shoot with and what else is in your bag ? 

I shoot with a Canon 5DSR, which I find delivers amazing image quality and detail. My most-used lens is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L — it’s incredibly versatile and perfect for a wide range of subjects. For night photography, I rely on my Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens, which is fantastic for capturing sharp, wide-angle shots with minimal distortion. When shooting landscapes, my go-to lenses are the Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS and the 24-70mm f/2.8L II IS, both of which give me great flexibility. I also use a variety of Singh-Ray neutral density and graduated neutral density filters to control light and capture long exposures.

For fungi photography, my favourite lens is the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC — it allows me to get close and capture those intricate details. I pair it with a Lume Cube Air for lighting and use a Novoflex Castel-XQ II focusing rack to ensure extra sharpness in my images. To keep everything stable during shooting, I use a Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer Series 2 tripod, which is lightweight but extremely sturdy.

What’s the hardest part of working as a photographer ( if any ) ?

The hardest part of working as a photographer is staying inspired when life gets in the way. Photography is a deeply personal and creative pursuit, but sometimes, the pressures of everyday life — whether it’s personal challenges, external distractions, or even just the feeling of being overwhelmed — can make it difficult to stay focused and motivated. I’ve learned that during those times, it’s important to give myself space and not force creativity. Instead, I remind myself that inspiration often comes when I least expect it, so I try to stay open and connected to the things that bring me joy, whether it’s spending time in nature, looking at the work of other artists, or simply taking a break. Creativity is cyclical, and I’ve found that the more I allow myself to be present and patient, the more inspiration naturally returns.

How do you maintain your creative edge and stay inspired ? 

To maintain my creative edge and stay inspired, I remind myself regularly that we only have one chance to live, and time is always ticking away. This awareness pushes me to prioritise the things that truly make me happy and bring me peace. For me, that often means stepping outside, connecting with nature, and taking a moment to simply be — whether it’s smelling the earth after rain, touching the texture of tree bark, or just breathing deeply and soaking in the present. Those moments of stillness and connection ground me and allow my creativity to flow naturally. I find that when I take the time to slow down and really experience the world around me, inspiration comes easily, and I’m able to approach my work with a fresh perspective.

Do you have any photography inspirations and who are they ?

My biggest inspiration in photography is actually my partner, Espen Bergersen, who is also a professional photographer. His creativity, dedication, and unique perspective on the world have had a profound influence on how I feel about my own work. His attention to detail pushes me to refine my own craft. What inspires me the most about him is not just his technical skill, but the passion he brings to even the smallest, most insignificant subjects in nature. He’s been a constant source of motivation and encouragement, and I feel lucky to learn more about myself and my creativity when I am with him.

Is there anywhere or anything that you haven’t photographed but you'd love to and why ?

One of the places I would love to photograph is the underwater ecology of kelp forests and how they are affected by human activities. These forests are some of the most vibrant and dynamic ecosystems on Earth, yet they're often overlooked in terms of their significance. Kelp forests not only sustain a diverse range of marine life, but they also play a critical role in the health of our planet, absorbing carbon and providing oxygen. I’m fascinated by how these underwater landscapes function as both habitats for countless species and as vital carbon sinks that help regulate climate. Capturing the intricate beauty of kelp forests, from the sway of kelp blades to the rich biodiversity beneath the surface, would be an incredible way to raise awareness about their importance and the need to protect them. It’s a subject that connects my love for both nature and the urgent environmental issues we face today.

What advice would you give to a photographer regardless of gender just starting out ?

My advice to any photographer just starting out is to focus on telling stories that are close to your heart. Use your camera not just as a tool for creating images, but as a way to express how you feel, what moves you, and what you care about. Photography is a powerful medium for self-expression, and the more authentic your work is, the more it will resonate with others. Don’t worry about following trends or trying to fit into a particular style; instead, take the time to explore what inspires you, whether it’s people, nature, or emotions. And remember, the best photos often come from moments when you’re fully present in the process, not when you're trying to get the perfect shot. Be patient with yourself and let your own unique voice develop over time.

What’s the one question you wish I’d asked you and how would you have answered ?

One question I wish you’d asked me is how I feel about the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential to borrow from or replicate creative work like mine.

My answer would be that while I see the potential of AI to revolutionise the creative industry, I also have a deep fear that it could devalue or undermine original artistry. Photography, for me, is not just about the technical aspects of capturing an image — it’s about the emotions, the unique perspective, and the personal story behind each shot. My worry is that AI could start to take inspiration from human-created work without fully understanding or respecting the depth of that creative process. It’s important to me that art remains a space for human expression, and I hope that as AI evolves, we find a way to use it as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it.

Serena was asked to share a few of her favourite images

Planet X Blues

The Gemini Project

Venus Rising

To learn more about Serena and her work , Please visit the links below