ABOUT - Essenza Studio & Gallery

Erica Milligan, Owner/Photographer

Meet your photographer! A true explorer of emotions and student of people, Erica brings her calm nature and creative vision into the camera room. Her ability to put people at ease and to bring about a very genuine experience is why her clients adore her. Erica is a graduate of the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology with degrees in both Portraiture and Commercial photography. As a gifted photographer she specializes in creating for families, children and high school seniors but she is known at the studio as “the baby whisperer” for her emotional images of infants. Erica is a member of the Professional Photographers of America, the largest photographic association in the world. She is a national award winning and published photographer. Her work has been chosen in PPA's prestigious Loan Collection and traveled the world on multiple occasions.

Hi, I’m Erica! I’ve been a professional portrait photographer for over 20 years. 2020 was a big year for me. I had the privilege of taking ownership of the studio I had called my home for 12 years. With a desire to get smaller and spend more quality time with my Essenza families, I made the big decision to move my studio to my home. Essenza Studio is now located just minutes from downtown historic Lebanon, Ohio. I’m still a one stop destination with a full indoor facility & 2 acre portrait park right in my back yard. Lebanon also provides infinite urban and picturesque backdrops.

When I’m not photographing I’m hanging out with my husband Nathan, 9 year old son Thomas & 5 year old daughter Leeann. I’m so blessed to have a business that supports my dreams and passion for photography and also provides for my amazing family!

Thank you for considering Essenza for your most important portraits. I look forward to welcoming you into my studio and into my heart.